The European Grief Conference 2024, held in Dublin this past November, showcased groundbreaking research, innovative practices, and deeply moving personal accounts, creating a comprehensive overview of grief in its many dimensions. As someone immersed in the grief and memorial planning industry, I was struck by the diversity of approaches and the profound dedication to addressing this universal human experience. Hosted by the Irish Hospice Foundation in partnership with Bereavement Network Europe, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Danish National Center for Grief, the conference aimed to unite researchers, practitioners, and educators to enhance bereavement care across Europe.
The conference was structured around a four-tiered needs-based bereavement care model, focusing on:
Level 0: Society – Grief Literacy, Advocacy & Community
Level 1: Normal Grief – General Awareness & Support
Level 2: Bereavement Support – Prevention & Risk Factors
Level 3: Complicated Grief Reactions – Diagnosis & Treatment
Keynote speakers included:
Prof. Samar Aoun (Australia): Discussed community-led approaches to grief.
Dominic Campbell (Ireland): Explored knowledge creation in grief through national arts and cultural engagement.
Prof. Pamela Grassau (Canada): Addressed "Truth-Telling" and coming out in dying, grief, and loss.
Tina Graven Østergaard (Denmark): Shared insights on grief in Greenland and collaborative social action.
The conference provided a platform for professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and research, fostering collaboration to improve bereavement care across Europe. While the event was a rich source of knowledge, insights, and shared wisdom, it was also a reminder of the complexities of translating research into meaningful action and connection.Some of the themes I related to:
Rituals and Mourning Culture
Cemeteries of the Future: The presentation by Raum Für Trauer explored whether cemeteries can institutionalize therapeutic impacts on mourners. Their approach emphasized understanding mourning behaviors, designing spaces for the grieving, and transforming cemeteries into spaces for the living. This resonates deeply with my advocacy for sensory integration in funeral planning, as cemeteries should serve both the departed and those left behind.
RISE Toolkit for Ritual Design: Rooted in anthropology, this toolkit fosters the creation of personalized rituals to aid individuals and communities through loss. It highlighted the need for contemporary rituals that respect traditional structures while being adaptable to modern grief challenges.
Therapeutic Practices in Grief
Writing as Therapy: The Danish National Center for Grief’s presentation showcased how writing—especially letter writing—can be a powerful therapeutic tool. Writing letters to the deceased helps participants navigate unresolved emotions and fosters a sense of continued connection.
Grief Retreats in Portugal: Alexandra Coelho’s project detailed a three-day therapeutic retreat offering structured grief support. Feedback emphasized its transformative effects in helping participants process their pain in a safe space.
Blue Christmas Ritual: Hosted annually by Our Lady’s Hospice in Ireland, this event provides a space for collective grief during the holidays. Using poetry, music, and symbols like snowflakes and stars, it addresses the dual process model of grief and fosters resilience.
Digital and Technological Interventions
Online Bereavement Support: Research from the University of Edinburgh synthesized findings on internet-based interventions. Key benefits include cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and reducing stigma around grief support. However, barriers like variable IT literacy and lack of personal feedback persist.
My Grief App: This randomized trial from Uppsala University highlighted the app’s success in addressing symptoms of prolonged grief. User feedback underscored its calming interface and educational value, making it an accessible tool for bereaved parents.
COVID-19’s Impact on Grief and Funerals
Studies reflected on the unique challenges posed by pandemic-era funerals. Families expressed deep distress over restrictions but also recognized innovations like virtual funeral access as valuable for the future.
Only one session focused directly on funeral professionals: “Exploring Funeral Director Experience and Perceived Impact of Providing Funeral Services During COVID-19 Restrictions.” The presentation revealed the profound challenges funeral directors faced during the pandemic, navigating unprecedented restrictions while striving to honor the dead and support the grieving. However, what struck me most was the noticeable absence of Irish funeral directors at the conference—save for one attendee.Why was this the case? Was it due to the cost of attending, the time commitment, or perhaps a disconnect between the conference’s content and the daily realities of funeral work? As someone deeply involved in the funeral industry, I found this lack of representation both perplexing and disheartening.
Exploring Assisted Suicide
Presentations on assisted suicide, including its practices across various countries, shed light on this sensitive topic. Key discussions contrasted assisted suicide with conventional suicide, highlighting anticipatory grief and the complexities of family involvement.
Community in Grief
One of the most riveting themes was the role of community in grief. As one speaker (I believe it was Professor Samar Aoun poignantly shared, "If we continue to rely solely on professionals alone for bereavement support, like John Deeres’ Plough, the tools of bereavement will create a desert where a community once flourished.” This sentiment resonated deeply, reflecting a shared belief that grief needs a collective approach—neighbors, clubs, and local institutions stepping in to create spaces for healing.
Jarlath Burns, a GAA icon and president, in his welcome speech, emphasized this beautifully, describing the vital role of GAA clubs in fostering community support during times of loss. Clubs often offer their facilities for post-funeral receptions or organize guards of honor for grieving families, serving as anchors in their communities.
The conference’s rich diversity of topics reaffirmed my belief in a holistic approach to grief. From integrating sensory experiences into funerals to advocating for digital legacy tools, we must embrace innovation while respecting tradition. The conference leaned heavily on research and data, which, while enlightening, occasionally felt overwhelming. Many presentations offered fascinating insights but fell flat in delivery, with some presenters struggling to connect with the audience. It was clear that while these individuals excel in their fields, not all were equipped for the stage. Perhaps pairing researchers with skilled presenters or storytellers could enhance future conferences, allowing complex studies to be communicated in a more engaging and digestible manner.
Not all victories were academic. Rose Park Catering stole the show with their incredible Irish food fare. With vegetarian and vegan options seamlessly integrated into the menu, they set a gold standard for conference hospitality, proving that attention to detail extends beyond the sessions themselves. It is something so small but I believe it is hugely important in any gathering.
The European Grief Conference left me inspired yet contemplative. While it succeeded in fostering important conversations about grief and loss, it also underscored the need for more accessible presentations and a broader audience reach. The wealth of knowledge and innovation shared in Croke Park that week deserves to resonate far beyond academic circles.
From exploring community-driven grief models to addressing the need for more inclusive and compassionate bereavement care, the conference painted a vivid picture of the future. However, it’s clear that a balance must be struck between research and real-world application—one that bridges academia, the medical and funeral professions, and community grief support systems. It highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, whether through designing therapeutic cemeteries, crafting personalized rituals, or leveraging technology for wider access. I remain deeply curious about how we can ensure greater representation, inclusivity, and collaboration across all facets of this vital work. As I continue my journey in this field, these insights will inform my practice, from memorial planning to public speaking. Grief, after all, is as unique as a heartbeat, and our responses must be just as varied and compassionate.
