Shared loss inspires award-winning bereavement lifeline
What began as a simple coffee break between two colleagues has grown into an award-winning support group that is helping hundreds of people in Southend navigate life after loss.
Amanda Wilkinson, Nova Senior Project Manager, and Lynsay Pratt, Dementia and Delirium Liaison Practitioner, both work at Southend Hospital. They met unexpectedly at a daytime bereavement group, each carrying the weight of multiple devastating losses.
Amanda lost her mum to endometrial cancer, her nephew to suicide, and another nephew to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Lynsay lost her brother to bowel cancer, her mum to complications from COPD, and her dad to a cardiac arrest secondary to cancer. Their shared grief quickly turned into friendship, and then into purpose.
Their conversation sparked the idea for a new kind of bereavement group - one that met in the evenings, was free to attend, and welcomed anyone at any stage of their grief journey. This was recognised last month, when the group, Evening Reflections, won The Team Award at the Southend Volunteer Awards, organised by Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) and partners.
Lynsay said: “To see the difference it’s made and to be recognised with this SAVS award means the world. It’s a legacy for those we’ve lost and a reminder that something beautiful can grow from shared pain.”
It’s made an impressive impact since June 2024 when Evening Reflections first officially opened its doors at Eastwood Community Centre. That was achieved thanks to the help of volunteers Louise McIver, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the Trust, who also suffered loss with the suicide of her brother, and Sally Clark from Tanners Funeral Directors.
Amanda said: “We’ve helped around 400 people since we started and wanted something open to everyone that worked around people’s lives and offered a safe and supportive place. We also run events to help break isolation, from summer picnics to quiz nights and afternoon teas.
“We recognise that there isn’t a time limit on grief – people may struggle again months or years later, or around anniversaries and milestones. Evening Reflections is about being there whenever people need our support.”
The group meets on the first and third Thursday of every month. It offers a safe, relaxed, and welcoming space where anyone affected by loss can talk, listen, or simply be among others who understand.
One regular attendee, said: “When I first walked through the doors, I felt emotionally broken but being surrounded by people who understood lifted something heavy from my heart.”
With the guidance of a qualified counsellor, guest speakers, and a closed Facebook group for continued connection, Evening Reflections has become a lifeline for many across Southend.
For more details please visit their private Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BkJtoA7T2/?mibextid=wwXIfr or email: erbg2024@gmail.com