Grief Support

Aim

We all need time and space to allow ourselves to grieve, learn about the stages of bereavement and the importance of community. Join us!

MNPC is a Community Interest Company focused on providing grief spaces both through virtual events and face to face retreats. Please join our important cause to raise funds to support our programs.  Our programs are needed more then ever; and, post-covid, these services are very much in demand to meet gaps in the system.  

Miracles do happen!  

This year our summer retreat in the South Downs was attended by a diverse crowd from all walks of life for a gathering for the Windrush celebration. What was most interesting about the attendees was not only their background and their stories of hardships and endurance, but rather their ability to be at home with each other's pain and grief. It was a unifying factor that went beyond colour. It has been said that there is no better medicine in the world than the sense of belonging, of authenticity and of knowing that as a diverse group we can overcome our differences and challenges; and experience that sense of real humanisation which so often, for people of colour, is taken away.

Our retreatants blended together naturally, presenting as Asian Indian, Chinese, Latino, Black British and Black Caribbean, with some of mixed race.  One woman was a refugee, another half-German.  And, amongst our group, there were various disabilities (some visible, some not), and differences as to age and sexuality. One woman at first was shocked to see what she saw as a ‘white’ woman in a poc space, only to find out her father was Black Jamaican. Others came with presupposed ideas of what being around different cultures would be like.  There was an air of expectation that long held barriers about what it feels like to be ‘othered’ were about to be broken. One person reflected on finally feeling safe and to be who they really are.  One theme which seemed to echo was the power of forgiveness as a method for reframing our life tragedies and narratives. Another woman paid tribute to and honoured the women in her family for what they have endured. One person dedicated merit to her father, who came to Britain during the Windrush period and whose mother died right after arriving.  He never married again and looked after his children for over 30 years as a singe parent.

Despite such a rainbow crowd everything and everyone gelled over the two-day weekend. It is hard to say what the ‘glue’ was that bound us together.  Perhaps it was the good weather or the wonderful food.  Or the excellent presentations by Zindika Kamauesi, author/editor of 9 books, who took us through the power of retelling our story; Davinder Sohal who explored primary and secondary pain, and loving kindness practice; or William Fley (founder & director of MNPC) who took us through the basics of standing and walking meditation which most of the group had never practiced (some even signed up for a 10-day vipassana challenge). Or maybe a combination of all of these.  But something seemed to work well - everyone attended each session and there was unison and harmony. In many ways it felt like the ‘United Colours of Benetton’.  

A highlight was the camp fire, where people had written a dedication letter to be lovingly tossed into the flames.  For some the letter was to a loved one, others asked for forgiveness, and some remembered the sacrifices made by those who came before us, in exile, migration, and tragedy.   Many grieved, mourned and spontaneously broke out into song. And the inspiring ritual proved that grief is more powerfully held within and by a group; and that there is no colour barrier when it comes to the human need be held in such a way.

Our retreat was gracious sponsored by ‘Bayo’.  In addition to helping with costs, this grant enabled us to provide bursaries for many of the participants who would otherwise not have been able to afford to attend the weekend event.  We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to come together; and are looking forward to the next event in May 2024 which is now open for bookings. We have also designed an 8-week Grief Course which will be online in January and for which we are now 'crowdfunding' to pay our teachers and give out bursaries., 

Our 5th year empowerment retreat (18 - 26 November 2023) will be our last online retreat, as from then on we will continue with face-to-face gatherings. Please buy your tickets early and support us. 

 We are happy to announce that our 6th annual Empowerment retreat will be led  by our patron Rhonda Magee who will visit the UK for a mindfulness conference at Bangor University in early August 2024.

Please give to our fund.  We would like to raise £6000 by the end of the summer!

Testimonials 

William, I’d like to acknowledge you and your enduring, inspiring commitment to this work/field and everyone connected with you and to service of the greater good. My regards & respect to Tim as well. 

You unceasingly reach out/express your support and pull through for MNPC and for all folks to rise. 

We may rarely speak or meet but your care, leadership and brilliance shines ever bright. Salutations and blessings to you brother  CB

Viva MNPC.. love to all beings.

The retreat was really well organised with excellent facilitators, delicious food and wonderful people to share experiences and learn. This is my second retreat with MNPC and I have truly enjoyed it. Thanks William and MNPC team , I can't wait for the next one. Thamara

 Me too William! It was a fabulous weekend, in such beautiful surroundings. I was open to what would be and experienced so much in a deep and meaningful level. Thanks to All of you teachers and participants and my roommates. Love and light P.S, booking in for May 2024

Tanya

 I had the best time. I'm so grateful to all who attended and shared such love, warmth and kindness. Its been such a challenge few years and it felt like such a time of healing and refreshment. Can't wait for the next one.

Ranju 

Thank God for this space and your work at Mnpc, well done for working though years of challenges. I'm looking forward to next years event already.

Priscilla Thomas

This project successfully funded on 16th September 2023