Hello to all our friends and supporters after what has been a very busy summer for the Grief Centre of WA.  We are delighted to announce that this flurry of activity has come with the approval of not one, but two Lotterywest grants!  Our heartfelt thanks are extended to Lotterywest for seeing the vision we hold for our Centre and our commitment to expanding our support of those who grieve.

 

Our 1st grant is to support some research on Re-Writing Grief using Expressive and Creative Writing.  The study will be undertaken by Curtin University with Dr Katrin Den Elzen as the Lead Researcher.  We are currently seeking participants for the 6-week writing course so if you are living with grief, either through bereavement or other life-losses, please contact Katrin for more details here.  You are also welcome to pass the opportunity to family and friends.
 

The 2nd Lotterywest grant is for Organisatonal Development to increase the capacity of the Centre to respond to the many new challenges that  are unfolding from the impact of the COVID19 pandemic including the understandable but alarming rise of grief in our communities. 

This grant will enable us to expand our premises at Tuart College after 6 years managing to run all administration and support group activities from one space.  The Centre's new adjoining room will become a dedicated workshop space with the current room fitted-out with a reception area, workstations, meeting spaces and a small kitchenette.  While many of us feel some sadness around moving the special space where so much healing and support has occurred over the years, we know that this change will work to expand our capacity to offer so much more.

An exciting new position also comes with this grant - a Business Development Manager who will drive the establishment of the Grief Centre as key organisation in the end of life and grief sector in WA.  This is a significant step for the Centre and we are looking for the special person who will embrace this role and work with our team to provide the very best support for those living with the heartache of grief.  Applications for the 18mth contact Business Development Manager close on 30 March, and you can see, and pass on, details here.
 

We can't end this 'Special Announcements' newsletter without mentioning our wonderfully successful End-of-Year Gathering 'In Memory of Ordinary Things'.  The photo above was taken on the day in Doris the Photobooth (thank-you Classic Clicks) and I think Katrin, Kath and Linda must have had an inkling that the success of the Lotterywest grants would be announced just a few days later. 

Thanks also for generosity and support on the day (and behind the scenes) to our fabulous team of volunteers and to Rowan the Harpist, Mary the Caterer and the Filipino Australian Health Workers Association of WA.

And speaking of the wonderfulness of volunteering, the Grief Centre is seeking a Mailchimp Champ to help create this newsletter on a regular basis along with a plumber and an electrician to assist with our move, and in an on-going ad hoc capacity an IT Guy or Gal.  If you know anyone who who might fit any of these bills, please do be in touch here.

Blessings and love to our community,
from the Team at the Grief Centre of Western Australia.