Unfiltered with Genelle: Coping with Loss During the Festive Season

In this inaugural episode of Unfiltered with Genelle from the Repeat That Again Please series, Genelle delves into the complex emotions surrounding the holiday season, especially for those navigating grief and loss.

Drawing from personal stories and communication insights, she explores how to manage grief during festive times and offers actionable advice for those experiencing loss, as well as for friends who want to provide meaningful support.

This conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing your own joy, and communicating compassionately.

I want to say is, this is not about getting over it. This is about how do we move through it in a season where we're almost suffocated by the need to be happy. By the need to be perfect, by that pressure.

As you listen, remember to be gentle with yourself—this topic can be deeply emotional. Take breaks or pause if needed, and know that your feelings are valid.

00:00 Introduction to Unfiltered Series

01:04 The Holiday Season: Ideals vs. Reality

02:59 Dealing with Grief During the Holidays

11:05 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Joy

17:11 Supporting Friends Through Loss

24:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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For additional support, here are some grief and loss helplines and resources in the UK:

• Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) | samaritans.org

• Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity): 0808 164 3332 | sands.org.uk

• Child Bereavement UK: 0800 02 888 40 | childbereavementuk.org

• The Loss Foundation: thelossfoundation.org (support for those bereaved by cancer or COVID-19)

• Grief Encounter: 0808 802 0111 | griefencounter.org.uk (support for children and young people)

• At a Loss: ataloss.org (connects people with local and national bereavement support services)

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Connect with Genelle

Genelle is a Communications and Media Advisor to senior leaders. A journalist by trade she has worked at the BBC/ITV/ITN. She still pops up on TV as a newspaper reviewer at Sky News. She is a charity Ambassor and a keen golfer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genellealdred

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/genellealdred.bsky.social

Genelle Aldred on the Griefcast: Listen here