The East London branch of the Compassionate Friends will host be hosting their annual gathering at Baysville School from September 20 to 22.
Picture: MATTHEW FIELD
Daily Dispatch senior sub-editor Tim Stones will provide the opening speech.
“He had given us a lovely talk at our Candle Lighting in November last year so we asked him if he’ll open the gathering,” Compassionate Friends national and international chairperson Myrtle Fleming said.
The gathering will host many sessions over its two days, aimed at helping members come to terms with their loss and providing safe spaces for attendees to grieve and express themselves.
Sessions will include various therapy methods such as art therapy, massage therapy and laughter therapy.
“We’re going to have entertainment because we need to laugh,” said Fleming said.
Cape Town’s Daniel Anderson, also known as “Little Elvis”, is one of the entertainers who will who is coming down from Cape Town to take part.
Local dancer Jo Jackson will also be on hand to entertain.
Fleming said the gathering was about “coming together to talk and share [our stories]”.
Compassionate Friends was founded in England in 1969 by Rev Dr Canon Stephens OBE after both of his parents and two siblings were killed by a drunk driver.
The organisation’s aim is to provide aims at providing support to bereaved parents and siblings.
Since its founding, it has opened branches in a number of countries such as Australia, SA South Africa and the Philippines. Entry is R25 per person.
To register or to find out more information, call Fleming on 083-973-6108 or Jenny Whittal on 083-296-7194.
