Grief Disco

24/04/2025

I've been having some really lovely conversations lately with incredible people doing powerful work around grief.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about them and the ways they’re gently shifting the landscape of how we process loss.

But first—a little reflection.

Grieving is rubbish. You know that. I know that.
But here’s something that might sound a bit controversial:
I honestly believe that now, more than ever in the past 100 years, is the best time to grieve.

Let me explain.

Something is changing.

The conversation around grief, loss, and bereavement is evolving.

Things like Grief Disco exist.

More and more people are using music, art, creativity, ritual, and community to process pain.
There are forums, podcasts, and people doing things differently—and I’m excited, hopeful, and proud to be part of that change.

Wouldn’t it be beautiful if each person who begins their grieving journey finds it just a little bit easier than the one before them?

If, as a society, we got marginally better at grieving—with more space, more honesty, more care.

Better at the conversations.

Better at the processing.

Better at dying… which I think might actually help us all get better at living.

It’s still awful. Nothing takes that away.

But things are shifting—and that gives me hope.

*Picture taken at our Third Grief Disco in Frome Somerset.

13/04/2025

I'm Disco George

I was created October 2024, this is what I've learned:

My friends and family are incredible—always cheering me on.​

The UK lacks spaces where people can grieve in ways that feel right for them.​

Too many are grieving alone.​

Joy and sadness can coexist—even on the dance floor.​

Trust yourself, you can do anything but not everything.

We have so much to share with you over the next few weeks. A new website, well our first one, more discos and more creative support for people who are grieving.

Love and disco

George x

09/04/2025

Thank you Frome Times for writing a wonderful piece about Grief Disco.
We are so proud to appear on the front page.
Wonderful smiley photo of a special night for The Frome Kindness Festival.

07/04/2025

A few months ago, I wrote some poetry — for the very first time.

As someone with dyslexia, writing has never come easily to me. I’m currently working on my second book, but I still rely heavily on spell check, grammar tools, and a lot of patience. Without them, it’s a very different story.

I didn’t find out I was dyslexic until I was 35. That late diagnosis came with a lot of unravelling — especially the shame I’ve carried around not being able to spell or read easily. I’m still working through that.

But back to the poem.

I did something brave. I saw that the brilliant Philippa Davies was curating a poetry project to celebrate National Poetry Month in April (link in the comments). On a whim — and with a good dose of nerves — I sent her the one poem I’d written.

I didn’t expect her to include it in the gallery. But Philippa, who has always been so kind and encouraging, came back with a beautiful message:

“Can we include it in the exhibition?”

She told me she believed my words could help people.

That was reason enough for me to say yes.

So here it is — my poem about grief, and how it seeps into everything.

I See You
I see you there,
it’s not like I can go the whole day without you.
Seeing you, feeling you —
you are like a stone in my shoe,
a splinter in my finger,
a ladder in my tights.
I see you in a room full of laughter,
I feel you on a beautiful sunny day,
I taste you in a three-layered birthday cake.
You’re a stain, a thorn, a tear, a pull —
a mark to remind me that life is with you now.
You are an unwanted guest, a gatecrasher.
Your name was not down, but you came in anyway.
You settle in the hush between conversations,
in the empty chair, the unfinished thought.
You do not ask permission,
you do not knock —
you are simply here.

If you’ve ever wanted to write something — a poem, a note, a messy thought — maybe this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to come from you. Preferably your heart. ❤️

03/04/2025

🪩 Disco Fact Time! 🪩

Did you know the very first disco ball dates all the way back to 1897?
Yep — long before Studio 54, Donna Summer, or glittery dancefloors, these sparkling beauties were already casting light across ballrooms and vaudeville stages.

They were originally called “Myriad Reflectors” — how fancy is that? ✨
Turns out, the magic of light and reflection has always had the power to transform a room… and maybe even a mood.

So next time you see a disco ball, remember:

You’re standing in a long tradition of sparkle, shimmer, and soul.

02/04/2025

Had the most exciting conversations this week with people from all over the UK!

After my chat on Radio 2, so many lovely people reached out, curious about how they can be part of this journey — and it’s just been so much fun.

Feeling wildly grateful and full of energy for what’s unfolding. The disco is growing — and I’m here for it. 🪩💖

01/04/2025

Do people cry at a Grief Disco?
Yes. Sometimes they do.

Is it sad?
Sometimes — because grief is welcome here.

But it’s also joyful. It’s full of laughter, movement, connection... and just look at these smiles.

This is what it looks like when grief and joy share the same dancefloor. 🪩💛

31/03/2025

How to keep the disco balls turning

Yesterday was Mother’s Day in the UK.
And to be honest, it was a tough one.

Mother’s Day was the last day I spent with my son.

It’s also a day that makes the absence of his physical presence hit that little bit harder.

So yes, I was sad.
I cried.
I ate some chocolate.
And then I had a little word with myself in the mirror.
I used one of my little tricks for heavy days —
I said to myself:

“Look for the love.”

And there it was.

I spotted one of my disco ball earrings (sadly just one — the other has vanished into the glittery unknown).
But that little sparkle was enough to prompt a moment.

I hit play on Spotify in my bedroom and listened to
“I Feel Love” by Donna Summer — the 12" version.

I danced my socks off in my PJs.

Eyes closed.

No audience.

Just me and Donna. And love.

So if you're having one of those days —
Heavy.
Lonely.
Grief-y.

I invite you to give it over to Donna.

Let the beat hold you for a few minutes.

Because sometimes, you can’t come to the disco...
But the disco can always come to you.

24/03/2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028y0t

Sharing the mission on Radio 2, I'm on 1.45 mins in.

Thanks for listening :-)

Jeremy discusses the spring statement, school refusal, kitchen injuries and grief discos.

24/03/2025

We are on the line up! I better start warming my voice up!

I will be on from 1.30pm

24/03/2025

Radio ga ga 🎙️

It began with interviews on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, then BBC Radio 4, and today I’ll be speaking on The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2.

Leah and I are genuinely moved by the response to Grief Disco.

Friday night in Frome was something special.

One of the most powerful moments was watching people dance who hadn’t danced in years—smiling through tears, reconnecting with themselves and each other.

Someone shared with me:

"I got so emotional when you gave me a permission slip for joy. I realised I hadn’t given myself any joy since I lost my person."

That’s why I get nervous before these interviews—because this work really matters.

It’s not just a disco. It’s about making space for grief, joy, and everything in between.

Link for radio 4 recording with Emma Barnett in the comments

20/03/2025

Wow, tomorrow Leah and I are on BBC RADIO 4! We will be sharing the story so far and then off to our third Grief Disco Grief Disco - Frome Kindness Festival - what a day!!!

19/03/2025

"A place where you are embraced no matter how you act, look or feel.

You can relax or dance your arse off and everyone is welcomed to just do what they feel"

From a Grief Disco Customer 😃

19/03/2025

Two sleeps to go until our third Grief Disco in Frome, Somerset!

Building something is challenging, so it’s important to celebrate the wins along the way. So far, we have… 🪩

🪩 Grown a global guest list of people who believe in what we’re doing—some have already danced with us, and others will soon.

🪩 Helped people with their grief. (My favorite achievement!)

🪩 Appeared on ITV, spreading the word about joy after loss.

🪩 Been featured on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, sharing our mission with even more people.

🪩 Appeared on BBC News, bringing grief and joy into the conversation on a wider stage.

🪩 Built an incredible community of supporters who remind us why this work matters.

🪩 I got my dream of being featured on OK! magazine!

🪩 Created a space where grief and joy can coexist—on the dancefloor and beyond.

🪩 I get to do all of this with my friend which again is the best!

We can’t wait to do it all again this weekend! 🪩

19/03/2025

Join us for Grief Disco - Frome Kindness Festival

18/03/2025

Are you coming to our Grief Disco - Frome Kindness Festival

Why don't you give yourself another little treat!

The Frome Kindness Festival has this on before our disco.

🌿 Move with Ease, Breathe with Kindness, Feel Restored 🌿
Join us this Friday for a series of gentle, movement-based sessions designed to help you rediscover ease, kindness, and comfort in your everyday life. Whether you're curious about movement, breathwork, or deep relaxation, these sessions are for you!

Each session is led by a specialist, and you’re welcome to join one or all. Spaces are limited—reserve your spot now!

📅 Schedule:
🧘 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Jackie Adkins – Experience the Feldenkrais Method and learn how small, gentle movements can create profound changes in the way you move, breathe, and feel. 🌿 Perfect for anyone wanting more ease in their body!

🧘 4:15 – 5:15 PM | Saffron – A gentle yoga session themed around self-kindness. 💛 Expect deep stretches, breathwork, and relaxation—ideal for beginners and those looking to move mindfully.

🧘 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Elaine Marie Ewens – Unwind after the week with slow, powerful, restorative yoga infused with breath, sound, and visualization. 🌙✨ Leave feeling refreshed, centered, and deeply restored.

💫 This is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and gift yourself kindness.

🔗 Click the link below to reserve your place! Don’t wait—spaces are limited!

https://www.thegoodheart.uk/events/kindness-to-the-body

17/03/2025

What is a Grief Ally?

In the two years since I lost my son, I’ve learned that some people can sit with grief—and some can’t.

I know that people have unfriended me, silenced my posts, maybe because I’m "too negative" or “bringing them down.” But here’s the thing—I don’t just talk about sadness. I talk about life and all the things we can do now, while we are alive.

Some people have been able to come closer to my grief—maybe because they’ve known loss themselves.
And I’ll be honest, before I understood grief, I would have run a mile from it too. I was not a grief ally.

But at Grief Disco, I see so many grief allies—friends who stand by their grieving friends, showing up, holding space, and just being there.

Why get closer to grief if you're not in it?
Because one day, you will be.

Facing our own mortality is one of the most powerful ways to truly live. The people I’ve met over the last few years—those who work in hospices, hospitals, those who see death every day—live life differently. They know how fragile it is.

I am a grief ally. I can sit in it with you. I can dance in it with you.

This is why I’m on a mission—to change minds and hearts about how we view grief.

And that’s why on Saturday, I shared my story with around 40 people.
I cried. I laughed. I sat on a panel with others, all with their own grief stories—most of them sadly saying the same thing:

💔 They wish they had more people who could truly support them.
💔 More people who "get it."
💔 More spaces where grief isn’t hidden away, where it’s safe to say “I’m not okay.”

So, my question to you is—are you a grief ally?
Can you hold space for someone grieving without trying to fix or cheer them up?
Can you sit with them in their pain without rushing them through it?
Or does it feel too awkward, too uncomfortable?

If it does, that’s okay. But stick with me.

My mission is to create spaces, share stories, and build experiences where we can all get better at grieving—together. Because we were never meant to do it alone.