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From heartbreak to healing: Grief disco comes to Suffolk

When Georgina Jones lost her 16-month-old son Osian in 2023, she turned to dancing to cope. Now her idea, Grief Disco, is coming to Suffolk for the first time.

People dance under pink and purple lights at a Grief Disco, one woman wearing a sequinned disco hat
St Elizabeth Hospice
Dancing together at a Grief Disco event, where movement and music help people process loss

Why it matters: The event offers a different way to process grief, moving beyond talking therapies into shared movement and music.

The big picture: Inspired by her lifelong love of dancing and how movement helped her cope with devastating loss, Georgina founded Grief Disco following her son's death. Alongside her friend Leah Sian Davies, she began hosting online and in-person Grief Discos across the UK to help others process their grief through music and dancing.

Now St Elizabeth Hospice is bringing the concept to Suffolk.

The details: The Grief Disco takes place on Saturday, 4 October from 19:00–21:30 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre.

Guest DJs will create an uplifting atmosphere, while evening host Chris will hold the space to support attendees. The event will also feature a non-alcoholic bar, chill-out areas, and a rituals room for quiet reflection.

Crowd of people dancing in front of two DJs at a Grief Disco, with disco balls and silver streamers overhead
St Elizabeth Hospice
Grief Disco events blend uplifting music with shared remembrance

What they're saying: Hugh McElhinney, Compassionate Communities Lead at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Grief manifests in countless ways. Whether you're mourning a family member, friend, loved one or pet, your feelings are valid. Our team is dedicated to providing understanding and support through all forms of loss."

"The Grief Disco welcomes everyone to come together and celebrate special memories through music. Please join us this October, for what is sure to be a unique event as the hospice joins alongside the community to remember those we hold dear."

The bottom line: What began as Georgina's way of surviving loss has become a movement helping others heal. Suffolk's first Grief Disco is open to over-18s, with tickets at £7 via the hospice website.

It cost us ~£13 to produce this article

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Ipswich Central, Ipswich School and David Button Funeral Directors

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