Festival 2023
The To Absent Friends festival took place across Scotland from 1-7 November 2023.
It was an opportunity to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people who have died but remain important to us.
Information about some of the events that took place is below.
Memory Box Making Group
Organised by NHS Lothian Bereavement Support
Thursday 2nd November 2023, 1pm-2.30pm, Rannoch Community Centre, Edinburgh
Tuesday 28th November 2023, 2pm-3.30pm, Cameron House Education Centre, Edinburgh
These events are open to the public
NHS Lothian are holding 2 memory box making groups to celebrate To Absent Friends week. This is the opportunity for anyone who has experienced a bereavement, regardless of when it happened, to come along, decorate a memory box to fill with treasured memories of their loved one and have a coffee and chat with others attending. Spending time doing crafts after a bereavement can give you focus and provide a form of self-care.
These groups are for adults only and places are limited. To secure your place please email – bereavement.service@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or telephone 0131 242 1996. We look forward to meeting you on the day.
This Event has been made possible thanks to the generous funding from Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.
Photo credit: NHS Lothian Bereavement Support
Always & Forever
Organised by Friends of Southern Necropolis
Sunday 5th November 2023, 12pm till 2pm
Southern Necropolis, Caledonia Road, Gorbals, Glasgow
This event is open to the public
Friends of Southern Necropolis would like to extend a warm invitation to join them and Strum For Life acoustic group, for a unique and special event of recollection and remembrance. Gathering together at the Franciscan Circle area of the Southern Necropolis in the Gorbals, taking the opportunity to Remember In Pictures (RIP) those who are no longer with us, but held within a special place in our hearts and minds. Through the medium of music, we`ll share songs that help rekindle memories and share stories of special people and moments in our lives. Following the event there will be a moment for those present to write a dedication and hang a heart on our Memories Tree.
The Southern Necropolis opened in 1840, is the final resting place of approximately 250,000 individuals who were unique and special contributors to the historical and community legacy of the Gorbals and Glasgow, and beyond.
Sandwiches, soup and refreshments will be provided after the event.
Photo credit: Friends of Southern Necropolis
All Strong Forever
Organised by All Strong Scotland
Friday 3rd November 2023, 12pm
All Strong Scotland, Drummond House, Scott Street, Perth PH1 5EJ
This event is open to the public
All Strong Forever is a remembrance event which will allow our community to share stories of bereavement, while celebrating the memories of departed loved ones. Everyone will have the opportunity to share their stories, memories and experiences of processing grief. We will enjoy some sandwiches, tea and coffee, and paint stones with whatever words or design resonates and is meaningful, and these can be taken home by participants. Other art materials will be available for use as well. We will also be creating messages and designs on leaves to then hang on our specially made remembrance tree. Finally we will cut the All Strong Forever cake, and have a slice as we chat and highlight any reflections or valuable points we have gained in the process.
Photo credit: All Strong Scotland
Music Memories Together
Organised by Dumfries Get Together
Saturday, 30 September 2023
Dumfries
Music Memories Together is being organised by Dumfries Get Together. At this event we will share a supper and have opportunities to talk about our loved ones who have died, and share any memories we have about songs or music that reminds us of our loved ones. Music is a great way to remember loved ones as it always evokes memories.
People are welcome to share as much or as little as they like.
The event is being supported with a To Absent Friends small grant from Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.
Illustration credit: Dumfries Get Together
Celebrating Memories
Organised by St Mary's for All in partnership with Arietta Choir
Sunday, 5th November 2023, 2-4pm
St Mary's for All Centre, Auchingramont Road, Hamilton ML3 6JP
This event is open to the public
"Celebrating Memories" is a partnership between St Mary's For All Centre and Arietta Choir in Hamilton offering an afternoon of joyous music and memories - taking inspiration from and celebrating absent friends in our community through their love of music.
Our friends at Arietta Choir will perform a selection of reflective and inspiring music and after the performance we will hold a small refreshment event to share feelings, encourage our community to make conversation flow around memories linked to music and feel the emotions linked to grief.
Attendance is free, but you must email info@stmarysforall.co.uk to book your place.
Illustration credit: St Mary's for All
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