Parents and carers came together for a day of reflection in the peaceful surroundings of The Treehouse.
The event, called ‘Workshop in the Woods – Living in the presence of Death’ was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in collaboration with St Elizabeth Hospice and Dance East.
It provided a gentle, supportive environment to share, explore and experience the natural world while reflecting on themes of death, dying and bereavement.
Parents and carers used natural materials to create a mandala, representing their individual experiences while feeling supported by others.
“Feedback from those who attended highlighted the profound impact of the day,” said Sandra Smith, EACH’s Art Therapist at The Treehouse.
“The parents and carers spoke of the beauty of the mandala they created and the sense of safety within the woodland setting.
“Many shared that the experience helped them approach what one described as their ‘worst nightmare’ not in isolation but alongside others who understood.
“There was a strong sense that the workshop provided a rare and valuable space simply ‘to be’, with attendees leaving feeling calmer, more relaxed and at peace.”
The workshop was described as ‘absolutely necessary,’ with many expressing hope that similar opportunities will be offered again in the future.
The mandala created during the session will remain in The Treehouse woods until the end of June, offering a place of quiet reflection for other parents and carers who may wish to visit.
The event formed part of a wider programme linked to national Dying Matters Awareness Week (4th to 10th May), which aims to encourage open conversations around death and dying.
A community event open to the public is taking place at Dance East’s Ipswich studio on Saturday, 9th May.
