The Frome Grief Disco has been hailed a ‘huge success’ after offering residents a unique way to process their emotions and connect with others.
Around 50 residents attended the event, which was held as part of the Kindness Festival at Lucky Chance on Portway, to dance through their grief and connect with others on Friday 21st March.
The concept was launched by local woman Georgina Jones and her friend Leah Sian Davies, both of whom have experienced grief. The disco was set up as a way to help others process their emotions surrounding loss.
The pair had launched their idea of grief discos in other parts of the country, with some discos being held online via Zoom and some in person. However, Frome’s first event was an in-person disco which enabled those attending to feel even more connected.
“You would think when you are grieving that to go and dance is the last thing you want to do, but actually, it’s really good for you,” explained Georgina, who is a coach and speaker focusing on human connection and communication.
“We think the events are the first of their kind in the country. I know there was an artist who set up a booth and encouraged people who were grieving to go inside and dance. Our event was a wonderful evening. Lots of people came on their own; lots came with friends.”
Providing the music was Frome-based DJ Tom from Mother of Mankind; there was a sober bar and rituals room, where people could talk and write a message in dedication of a loved one on a handmade tree.
“We don’t serve alcohol at the disco,” says Georgina. “We have a sober bar because often alcohol can get in the way of us processing our emotions. The bar made us a sober cocktail called a Grief and Tonic.
“There was also the chance for people to contribute to a huge mural that has been made by Melina from Frome Grief Network, where they could leave a handprint and the name of someone who has died. People could get a bit artsy and crafty during the evening, which was nice.
“Out of those who came, there were people I spoke with who had newly lost people, people who had lost people a year ago for all different reasons. People that had lost children, people that had lost people to suicide. The atmosphere is really hard to describe. You’d think with all that grief it would be sad but it’s the opposite. It’s really happy, connected and wholesome. They are such a special event but quite unique.”
People who attend the disco are given a slip as an ‘invitation for joy’ to empower them to enjoy themselves.
“We’re not saying that people needed our permission to feel joy but it’s a way of letting people know that it’s ok to feel joyful,” says Georgina. “A lot of grief is laden with guilt and there were a lot of people at the disco who were enjoying something for the first time.
“There were people on the dance floor having a lovely time dancing but you could see that they had been crying. The event is a total invitation to say that you can feel all the feelings. You don’t have to button up and pretend you are ok.”
Georgina and Leah have both experienced grief; Georgina’s son Osian died two years ago aged 16 months old following complications. She said the disco is inspired by Osian and following his death, her work has taken a different turn.
“My work is now more understanding and talking about grief and talking about the impact and also how we can grieve together better,” says Georgina.
“We always end every grief disco with As by Stevie Wonder because it’s the most beautiful song and it’s all about everlasting long. The love for the person and the connection doesn’t go, that never dies.”
