Age Concern Wellington, in partnership with Catholic Social Services, recently hosted a heartfelt seminar at the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club. The session, “Understanding Change, Loss and Grief,” was part of the Seasons for Growth resources, which support people in exploring life’s changes and learning strategies to cope with grief.
The seminar touched on many important areas: the different forms of grief, how change and behaviour are linked, and the many ways people respond when facing loss. There was also a strong focus on empowerment, reminding participants that while we cannot change the past, we can take positive steps forward.
One participant captured the essence of the discussion: “As we grow older, we find ourselves experiencing more loss than before, like friends passing away or moving into aged care facilities. These changes are hard to deal with.”
Jess Ferroni from Catholic Social Services shared practical tools to help seniors navigate these challenges, including insights into how grief affects both mind and body, and ways to draw on the strength of support networks. The workshop provided support and space for adults to learn how different people respond to change, loss and grief, as well as understand that it is normal to experience a range of grief reactions. There was time to explore new approaches to dealing with change, loss and grief in our lives.
The seminar was warmly received, with many attendees leaving feeling reassured, encouraged, and equipped with new strategies to face life’s changes.
For those seeking further support, Catholic Social Services provides additional resources and information on their website: catholicsocialservices.org.nz
We intend to run another similar workshop in February 2026. Visit acwellington.org.nz or call 04 499 6646 for more information.
~ Ilana Kapp, Design and Communications Volunteer