Hope After Loss 2025: Bringing Communities Together for Better Bereavement Support

On Monday, 1st December 2025, the Orbit Business Centre in Merthyr Tydfil hosted the annual Hope After Loss event in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB). Timed to coincide with National Grief Awareness Week, this free event brought together bereaved families, healthcare professionals, and third-sector organisations to highlight the support available for those navigating the difficult journey of loss.

A Day of Insight and Support

The event opened with a warm welcome from our Founder and CEO, Rhian Mannings and Claire Ibbs, Head of Corporate Nursing and People’s Experience at CTMUHB. Their introduction set the tone for a day focused on collaboration and improving bereavement care across the region.

The morning session featured powerful presentations, including:

Bereavement Midwives Claire Westcott and Natalie Abass on the vital role they play in supporting families during the most difficult times.
Rev David Richards from Chaplaincy, sharing how chaplains “wear many hats” to provide spiritual and emotional care in hospitals.
Adam Bate (2wish Head of Marketing & Communications), discussing our Let’s Talk BereaveMENt campaign, aimed at breaking down barriers for men to talk about grief.

Attendees then explored the Marketplace, where 15 stallholders showcased services ranging from trauma support to children’s bereavement care, creating a valuable networking opportunity for professionals and families alike.

Afternoon Highlights

After the morning session, guests were invited to The Orbit centre’s immersive experience room, where they participated in interactive games and sensory activities to help unwind and reset after the morning’s emotive discussions.

After lunch, the afternoon session continued with inspiring talks:

Abe Sampson from the Health Board Charity explained how their work makes a difference locally.
Donna Morgan, Bereavement Clinical Lead, spoke on The Power of Conversation – highlighting community engagement in bereavement care.
An Organ Donation update demonstrated how last year’s event has already driven positive change.
Eye to Eye Trauma Support shared how they help communities after traumatic incidents.
Jenny Oliver, People’s Experience Manager at CTMUHB, closed with a session on The Power of Effective Communication.

The day concluded with thanks and a heartfelt Bucket List presentation, showing what guests had anonymously shared as their one thing they’d like to do before they die.

Why This Event Matters

Bereavement can feel overwhelming and isolating, and access to consistent, compassionate support is vital. Events like Hope After Loss not only raise awareness of available services but also foster a sense of community among those affected. By bringing together multiple agencies under one roof, we are working towards a future where every individual and family can find the help they need, when they need it.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of previous years, this year’s event welcomed more organisations and created more opportunities for meaningful conversations. We are proud to continue this partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and remain committed to supporting those who have experienced loss.

Together, we can ensure following loss, there can be hope.