Love Lives On

Introduction

Welcome to the Bereaved Parents Club podcast’s special episode launched at the beginning of bereaved parent month. This episode explores the theme of “Love Lives On” and we hear from  Aisha Peters, a bereaved mum and founder of Damali Beautiful Vision Community Interest Company (CIC). Aisha shares her daughter Damali and her grief journey leading her to the support she provides for bereaved families in the community.

Introduction to the Bereaved Parents Club Podcast

Hello, this is the Bereaved Parents Club podcast. It’s the club none of us want to be members of, but here we are. My name is Debbie, and I am a bereaved parent. This podcast is for all of us to share and celebrate the stories of our children and offer support to each other. Each episode will explore topics that have relevance as we navigate the world as bereaved parents.

Whether your loss was last week, last month, last year, or even last century, you are welcome here. And whether your child was a baby, a youngster, a teenager, an adult, or even a parent themselves, you are welcome here. Please be aware that each episode deals with themes of death and loss.

Today, we mark National Bereaved Parents Day with a special episode themed “Love Lives On.” It’s my privilege to have Aisha Peters as our guest to explore this theme further.

Aisha Peters: An Inspiration to Bereaved Parents

Aisha Peters is a Capital FM award-winning artist, Mobo nominee, founder, and CEO of Veyoir Productions Limited and Damali Beautiful Vision CIC. This London-based organisation supports global majority community members navigating bereavement due to the sudden loss of a young child or young adult. 

Aisha’s Story and the Legacy of Damali

Aisha shares the heart-wrenching story of her youngest daughter, Damali, who suddenly passed away at three years old in 2009. Despite the unbearable grief, Aisha found strength in her daughter’s legacy.

Honouring Through Damali Beautiful Vision CIC

Before Damali was born, Aisha had a dream of a beautiful chocolate-brown baby with loads of hair—a dream that matched Damali’s appearance exactly. The name “Damali” means “beautiful vision,” and Aisha believes Damali chose her to be her mother for a reason.

The Formation of the Community Interest Company

Damali Beautiful Vision CIC honours her legacy by supporting bereaved parents, especially in the global majority community. Aisha’s journey of setting up the CIC took over a decade, filled with self-reflection and healing. The organisation provides much-needed resources and support that she found lacking during her own grieving process.

Creative Outlets

Aisha’s grief journey included attending various workshops, such as cake baking, held by a friend’s community interest company. These activities helped her reconnect with her joyful, creative self and find a community of support. 

Drumming Circles and Spirituality

In addition, Aisha found solace and grounding through drumming circles, singing, and dancing. She emphasises the importance of creative and spiritual responses to grief, which are integral parts of Damali Beautiful Vision CIC’s approach.

The Importance of Cultural Relevance in Grieving Resources

Aisha highlights the lack of culturally relevant support for people of colour who are grieving. Damali Beautiful Vision CIC aims to fill this gap by offering a combination of psychotherapy and culturally tailored workshops. The organisation is dedicated to making people feel genuinely safe and supported in their healing process.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Thanks to National Lottery funding, Damali Beautiful Vision CIC offers various workshops and meetups, including “Reflect and Breathe” and “Reflect and Paint.” Summer meetups are planned at the Pelican House in Bethnal Green and Clacton-on-Sea, providing arts, crafts, relaxation, and movement workshops in a welcoming environment.

Join Us This Summer

These events are open to all community members. Whether you are a bereaved parent or someone wanting to learn more about the support available, these meetups promise a supportive space to connect and heal.

Reflection on National Bereaved Parents Day: Love Lives On

The theme “Love Lives On” resonates deeply with Aisha, reflecting through the ongoing work of Damali Beautiful Vision CIC. Love lives on through the support provided to grieving families.

To listen to this special podcast episode click here.

2 Comments

  1. Margaret Jeng 25 September 2024at13:36

    I have just found you it’s been 10 awful years with no one to talk to about my son can I join this group please Margaret

    Reply
    1. Tracy 26 September 2024at14:11

      Hi Margaret
      Thanks for you reaching out and so sorry you feel alone. Child loss grief can feel so very lonely at times. Please do check out our support page which has a lot of resource links. There is the compassionate friends if you are in the UK or USA that you can reach out to. Take care of yourself Tracy (George’s Mum)

      Reply

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