Breakout Groups & Workshops
A) Love, Loss, and Identity: An Inclusive Workshop Exploring Support for LGBTQIA+ clients - Mia Pollak and Nell Andrew. Mia is Director of Margate Pride, an arts and culture-led organisation delivering year-round programming, community activity and heritage projects. With a focus on intergenerational connection, Mia brings a community-rooted perspective to the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ people navigating bereavement. Nell is an LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent inclusion speaker, facilitator and cultural producer, based in Margate. With 16 years’ experience as a senior inclusion leader across public, private, and third sectors, their award-winning work uses trauma-informed, people-centred approaches to create practical change, across communities.
B) Unconscious Bias – Donna Carty is the founder of Resolve Evolve and has successfully designed and delivered equality, diversity, equity and inclusion (EDEI) training and consultancy services for over 25 years. She has worked with numerous organisations across all sectors, from charities to commercial companies, including local and central government, media and the arts. Unconscious (implicit) biases are often unrecognised, and therefore they may unintentionally influence our behaviour and decisions. Everyone has a level of implicit bias often based on the messages we have received since we were
children. This workshop will help delegates become more aware of and understand
these biases and how to deal with them when visiting bereaved people. Donna is also on the Board of Women and Girls Network (Deputy Chair) and is the Chair of London Black Women's Project (LBWP).
C) Hearing Loss – Rosalyn Graham is an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist supporting children and adults with issues such as neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia), bereavement and loss, complex bereavement, anxiety and depression. In this workshop, Rosalyn will explore the particular challenges of supporting bereaved clients who are also challenged by hearing loss, and how talking therapy can still be a successful journey to resolving grief. Important note: Please be aware that Rosalyn may be accompanied by her Hearing Dog for at least one (or possibly both) sessions, so please do not select this workshop if you are nervous around dogs or have a specific allergy.
D) Supporting bereaved clients living with Dementia – Joanna Piotrowicz and Alistair Addison. Joanna is a Dementia Specialist who supports people living with dementia, their families, and care staff. She specialises in strengths-based, person-centred care and has completed extensive dementia training. She is passionate about meaningful engagement and recognising the person beyond the diagnosis. She delivers staff training and supports families through the practical and emotional challenges of dementia, including end-of-life care and bereavement. Her professional expertise is complemented by personal experience supporting a close family member with Alzheimer's disease, giving her valuable insight into the emotional impact of dementia on individuals and families. In her conference workshop, Joanna will explore bereavement in people living with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognising grief and providing compassionate support. Alistair is Head of Engagement and Spiritual Care at Nightingale Hammerson, a charity providing outstanding residential care for
older members of the Jewish community across North and South London. Alastair began his career as a commissioned
officer in the Salvation Army, spending 12 years in Christian ministry serving
communities in both the UK and Belgium. This early experience established a
lifelong commitment to compassionate pastoral care, supporting individuals and
families through some of life's most significant moments. With many years' experience in dementia care,
Alastair has dedicated much of his career to developing meaningful engagement
opportunities that enhance the lives of people living with dementia. He has
undertaken specialist training with the Bradford Dementia Group and has
presented his work nationally and internationally, including at the
International Alzheimer's Conference in Barcelona, where he shared the impact
of music-based interventions for people living with dementia. Alongside leading a team of seven Engagement
Specialists, Alastair has returned to his pastoral roots over the past three
years by establishing and leading Nightingale Hammerson's Spiritual Care Team,
comprising two Spiritual Care Leads and a Bereavement Support Lead. Working in
close partnership with the organisation's End of Life Care Team, he supports
residents, families and colleagues through end-of-life care and bereavement
with a holistic, person-centred approach. Alastair is delighted to be co-presenting this
session with a valued member of his team, whose exceptional ability to respond
creatively and compassionately to the needs of people living with dementia has
transformed the experiences of many residents and families. Together,
they will share practical insights and moving case studies that illustrate a
range of innovative, personalised approaches to supporting people living with
dementia and their loved ones throughout the end-of-life journey.
E) Connect. Listen. Engage. Christopher Geake In this workshop delegates will be encouraged to explore some of the principles of effective engagement in pastoral and bereavement support, and share examples of work which have been found helpful in working with diverse communities. Christopher’s professional and volunteering career across a wide range of pastoral and social care settings, spans over 40 years. Communities with whom he has worked include diverse ethnic and cultural groups, people living with intellectual impairment, people experiencing mental health challenges, refugees and asylum-seekers, Carers, and people who identify as LGBTQ. Formerly a Hospital Chaplain at Hillingdon Hospital and now in “retirement”, he continues to work as a Funeral Celebrant across London and the surrounding Shires.
F) Estrangement: Physical and Emotional Distancing between Family Members – Dr Miriam Tasgal Miriam is a Psychologist, Counsellor and Supervisor at North London Therapy Practice. She has a rich background in working across various client demographics bringing a profound understanding and expertise to her practice. Her particular focus has been on mothers facing significant challenges; and in this workshop explores the issues around estrangement.
