My name is Nicola Holdsworth and on Saturday 21st March 2020, I lost my mum, she was my best friend.
My mum was 72 when she passed away suddenly.
With mothering Sunday following on the 22nd March 2020.
Coronavirus been announced on the 23rd March 2020, including zero people to funerals.
The grief I experienced was unbearable, the loss unimaginable, and anger immense.
On my daughter’s 18th birthday 2 years had passed since I lost my mum, surrounded by my wonderful family, I never felt so alone.
I smiled externally and cried inside; I needed help.
I contacted my GP, who sent me away with a glimmer of hope, a small card with a counselling service number on there, to my disbelief the waiting list was 6-9 months…….
I took to social media to see if there was a group I could join. There wasn’t.
However, literally hundreds of people messaged me, from all over Leeds to say they wished there was.
With no professional experience, no venue, no members, and no funds, and no real idea…………..
Morley Grief Group was born.
On the 15.12.22, I posted the below on social media….
I was in a very sad and lonely place, and I was struggling with Grief.
So I took to social media and reached out to see if there was a group I could join, there wasn’t.
After a huge response on social media and over 400 messages Morley Grief Group was born.
In January 2023, I held the first meeting, not knowing if anyone would come along.
To my surprise, and sadness over 50 people came along.
The group has grown into a successful Award winning group and supports the local community.
Post 15.12.22 – By Nicola Holdsworth
Dear all, (admin please delete if not allowed) Where to start……
2.5 years ago, I lost my beloved mum, suddenly as many of you know it’s hard very hard. (I’m not looking for sympathy) I have struggled to cope with the grief, the why, the anger…… why my mum? Questions
So, I looked to try and find someone to talk to a bereavement counsellor…. my GP told me to find….
however, to my disbelief there are very few groups. (if there are great, please let me know when I can come) So I contacted a few “self-help groups” they are called “grief cafe’s”
The principal is:
You meet up usually once a month in a cafe and have a cup of tea and just chat, chat about your loved one to a stranger ….
your mum, your brother, your son, your grandmother, your aunt, your friend, your dad, your uncle, your nephew, your daughter, your partner…….
Grief is grief
Doesn’t matter if it’s 6 week, 6 years, 40 years - you still miss them, So I thought okay, why not have a Morley Grief Cafe and just talk about our loved ones?
P.S. I’m not a councillor, I have no qualifications ( I work in an office) So if anyone is interested please let me know and I will set a “group up” ( I have no idea how to do it) And maybe we could meet in January at a Cafe to be decided…….
I have nearly deleted this message 20 times, and thought don’t be so ridiculous who wants to come and talk with you!!!
But what’s the worst that happens I have a cup of tea on my own
Please let me have your thoughts
Merry Christmas to you all
The hardest thing is the threshold. Cross that and the care, support and friendship is beyond words. To feel that genuine warmth is worth its weight in gold. When ready… take the step forward.
Hi, I Went to my first meeting on the 30th November – I was struggling after losing my husband in April this year. My lovely neighbour Georgina told me how much the group had helped her. She took me as knew I was a bit nervous – but I needn’t have worried everyone was so welcoming and friendly., we ended up having a good laugh, something I’ve not done for a while!! Anyone thinking of joining, please do – we all need help and support especially at this time of year. xx
I came to the group for the second meeting, and I’ve attended ever since. I was met by Kate as I walked through the door for the first time and was welcomed by other members. I’ve been lucky enough to make same lovely friends and look forward to every meeting. We share our stories, laugh, cry and support each other. Anyone thinking of joining, please do, we all understand.
I joined at the beginning & I’ve loved attending the meetings. Everyone is welcoming & you are looked after as soon as you walk through the door. If you want to meet prior to the meeting & walk in accompanied by a member, you can. We laugh a lot more than we cry & we’re a very happy group. Don’t hesitate to join, we all understand & will be sympathetic. We’ve all been there xx
Morley Grief Group’s focus is on the mental health and wellbeing of anyone that comes to us for support whilst navigating the grief process.
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