The Cathedral, The Green Dragon Hotel, The Courtyard, Hereford Hospital, The Town Hall and The Shell Store will all Light Up in Orange for National Grief Awareness Week 2024.
Every year, usually on the final day of the campaign, landmarks across the country are lit up in orange to remember those who have died and to support those bereaved across the UK. In Hereford we do this on the Wednesday, as it coincides with Christmas Late Night Shopping.
This year’s campaign theme, ‘Shine a light,’ is about highlighting the work of the people, places and projects across the UK that provide outstanding bereavement services, and to raise awareness of the support available for the bereaved.
Local grief specialist, Dawn Ford, who can be found on www.griefspecialists.org, has organised Hereford’s participation.
Dawn said: “National Grief Awareness Week is a time to acknowledge people who are grieving. Loss is not spoken about enough, making grief very isolating for people.”
“It’s been a particularly difficult few years for many, especially for those who were unable to say goodbye to family and friends during the pandemic. The simple act of lighting up a building can create a sense of community and open up vital conversations about the feelings of grief,” continued Dawn.
The week, which runs from 2nd to 8th December, is run by The Good Grief Trust annually.
As part of the Light Up in Orange we will be meeting at 6pm on Wednesday 4th December, at Hereford Cathedral’s West Gate, for quiet candle-lit reflection and everyone is welcome to join me in the Green Dragon’s Garrick Lounge where hot chocolate/ mulled wines and mince pies can be purchased and for that very important emotional compassion and connection.
For further information, or to arrange photos, please contact Dawn Ford, dawn@dawnford.co.uk, 07928110041.
