About

About Craft Conscious CIC

The story behind my work

My journey into grief consultancy began in 2015. I witnessed how my friend faced well-meaning but deeply hurtful comments even years after her son died.

Ed was a remarkable young man whose passing at age 30 in 2012 changed the trajectory of my life.

He was one of the kindest, most patient people I’ve ever known.

His generosity extended beyond his lifetime – as an organ donor, he saved five lives.

This selfless act was typical of Ed, whose sudden death from an aneurysm came as a complete shock.

Feeling shocked after one particularly weird comment, I discovered a critical gap: many people, despite good intentions, lack the understanding and language to support those experiencing grief.

“There’s a saying that people die twice: once when they die, and again when people stop saying their name.”

This realisation led me to specialised grief education and training, initially just to help Ed’s mother and others like her. What began as craft sessions – creating safe spaces where grieving people could express themselves without judgment – evolved into something much deeper.

Through my grief education, I discovered healing for my own lifelong depression and anxiety. I learned that grief extends far beyond bereavement to include over 60 types of losses – from career transitions and health changes to the loss of identity and future dreams.

By sharing Ed’s story – the profound effect his life, kindness, and love had on all of us – and through the support we now give to others, we ensure that Ed’s legacy lives on forever.

My Approach to Grief Support

My comprehensive approach to grief support is informed by:

Specialised training as a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist
Advanced Grief Recovery Training for both adults and children
Certification as an Edu-Therapy™ Specialist
Professional qualifications in coaching and mentoring
Experience as a Mental Health Support Worker
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
My own journey with neurodivergence, chronic illness, and personal loss

This unique combination of professional training and lived experience allows me to address grief holistically, recognising how it impacts every aspect of our lives – including our professional performance, relationships, and physical wellbeing.

Why I Focus on Grief in Professional Environments

My personal experiences with late diagnosis of autism and ADHD, developing chronic illnesses, and navigating significant life transitions illuminated something crucial: organisations often lack the frameworks to support people through grief in all its forms.

The grief of missed opportunities, health changes, and identity shifts affects our capacity to function effectively – especially in workplace settings where such experiences often go unacknowledged.

By helping organisations develop grief-informed approaches, I create environments where people can navigate loss with dignity while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This approach transforms workplace culture, building trust, loyalty, and authentic care that transcends traditional performance metrics.

My Vision

I envision a world where:

Grief is acknowledged as a normal, natural part of human experience
Workplaces recognise grief’s impact on performance and provide appropriate support
People feel comfortable addressing grief without fear of judgment or shame
Organisations value human dignity and wellbeing alongside operational excellence

Ed’s legacy lives on through this work – in every conversation about grief that happens without stigma, in every workplace that learns to support its people through loss, and in every individual who finds a way forward while honouring what matters most.