Michaela Meade
Gabriela Georges is creating a space for those who have experienced a loss to share their stories.
Ms Georges started hosting workshops in her community after her own experience with grief.
She founded the Grief Cocoon, to provide a safe space for people who are grieving to express themselves, and hopefully transform through the process in workshops and events.
“I [lost] my mum when I was 20 [and found] it very isolating, and a hard experience to go through,” Ms Georges said.
“Eventually, after trying to figure things out on my own, I started to use poetry [and performances of it]… to express how I was feeling.
“I started having people come up after performances, people would share their own experiences and stories.
“I realised I wasn’t alone.”
In 2016, Ms Georges began “open mic” opportunities for people to tell their stories. In November of last year, she officially launched the Grief Cocoon and its events.
“It’s a lot of fun – you’d be surprised at how many laughs we have,” she said.
“We connect and create together, there’s a lot of joy in that.
“It’s more about a community, not therapy… I’m not a therapist or counsellor.
“I want to… give people the opportunity to share their experiences.”
Fast forward to May 2021, and Ms Georges has held an event every month whether it be a creative activity, a movie night or an open discussion about grief.
“It’s always a really special gathering, when people come together,” she said.
“There’s been a really positive response.
“I’ve been surprised and blown away by the support.”
“It’s an un-intimidating place to start, especially for people who haven’t done something like it before.”
Ms Georges has completed a thesis on the impact of creative mediums on the grief experience.
She said she has “seen it work”.
“[This outlet] is something that’s needed,” she said.
“I think because the focus is on doing something creative, people see it as something that‘s different, but still effective.
“There’s an automatic connection people make – they know that [the people there] have experienced a loss too.”
The Grief Cocoon has events and workshops on the first Thursday of every month at Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Ms Georges said she wanted the events to be a space of “safety [and] warmth”.
“It’s a place for change… It’s challenging and messy,” she said.
“[The cocoon] beautifully represents grief, and the changes that occur within a person.”
Details: www.thegriefcocoon.com/ or thegriefcocoon@gmail.com
