New language is being invented to describe the unprecedented psychological landscape of our times: Eco-anxiety, climate grief, solastalgia.

These are all new terms used by climate psychologists to describe the very real emotional impacts of climate change which are finally starting to be recognised yet are still seldom discussed.

The most recent International Panel on Climate Change report has clearly stated that we have just 12 years to prevent total climate catastrophe but rather than witnessing rapid and radical change, the social norm seems to be one of business as usual.

Perfectly sane responses to this situation such as outrage, terror, grief and despair are often left unspoken and this can lead to hopelessness and helplessness. Some people are able to respond by engaging in activism only to find themselves burnt out by the attendant emotions and sense of urgency. In times of loss, we need to grieve. Loss of eco-systems, species extinction and the uncertainty of humanity’s future are the most existential of all losses and in order to sustain them while continuing to contribute to a culture of regeneration, we need a new social norm.

The Good Grief Network have developed a 10-step programme for Psycho-social resilience in these chaotic times with the aim of collectively processing our climate grief, eco-anxiety and solastalgia while building connections in our community. Beacon Hub and ONCA are pleased to co-host this offering in Brighton as European pioneers of this programme.

We will meet for 10 consecutive weeks on Monday evenings from 7-9pm at ‘ONCA on the Barge’ in Brighton Marina. We will form a closed group to explore the ten steps in a supportive group facilitated by Ecopsychologist and Educator, Jane Glenzinska.

There will be a maximum of 12 people in the group and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Good grievers need to be open to honest conversation, have a deep respect for all life on earth and a willingness to tend to our own and each other’s strong emotions around the urgency of now.

The programme runs from Monday 13th of May through to Monday 15th of July. The 10 week course costs £100 plus Eventbrite booking fee.

Click here to book your place

For more information on the Good Grief Network: https://www.goodgriefgroup.org/about/

“Grief is necessary to the vitality of the soul. Contrary to our fears, grief is suffused with life-force” – Francis Weller

Please direct any questions you might have to: or message us via this page.

Further Information

GETTING THERE

Local public transport: From central Brighton, the No 7 bus runs every 6 minutes daytime with the night bus running twice an hour throughout the night. Services 7, 21, 21B, 25C, 47, 52 & 57. 01273 886200 / buses.co.uk
Parking: The Brighton Marina multi-storey car park offers free parking. Time limits and height restrictions (1.85m) apply
Once at the Marina: Head towards the area called the Boardwalk, follow signs to the Wetherspoons West Quay Pub, once you locate the pub head toward the boats, look down and you should see ONCA’s bright red boat!

ACCESSIBILITY ON THE BARGE:

Please note that at low tide the ramp from the Marina walkway down to the dock is steep for a wheelchair.
Free tickets are always available for Personal Assistants – please let us know in advance if possible if you need a PA ticket.
Some events are BSL interpreted – these are advertised in advance on our website. Also events can be BSL interpreted upon request – please email us for this service.

WHAT TO BRING:
Comfortable layers to be warm a refillable water bottle and a little cash to donate towards the teas & coffee.

Photo credit: Dimitri Bong