The founder of 4get-me-not Desirée Vlekken recently launched “Chocoholics” a grief support group, with a purpose to provide seniors and caregivers who are living with grief, a safe environment to share, connect and heal.
The group plans to meet monthly, over a hot cup of chocolate and share their personal journeys.
Desirée Vlekken - founder of 4get-me-not says:
“I felt compelled to start Chocoholics; since there are many senior and caregivers in our organization that are hurting from losing a loved one.
Most often, whenever we have a group activity or gathering; someone from the group would volunteer a personal story about the husband or wife or child they have lost.
I thought it would make perfect sense to introduce a platform where seniors/caregivers would have a safe space to share, grieve and move forward"
The group’s name Chocoholics – “Life is sticky but sweet” was inspired from learning about the benefits of consuming dark chocolate, which helps with memory, blood pressure, and acts as a mood enhancer whilst alleviating depression and it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for the brain.
Chocoholics held its first meeting earlier this month with 6 participants.
The program ensures that everybody gets a chance to speak.
The program moderator was Kim Smith, an Inclusion specialist for people of determination and book reviewer; her background enables her to manage delicate topics such as grief and mourning.
Before the end of the session, each participant created a one-page collage with a photo of a loved one with colours and special messages. This will be filed and stored in the Chocoholics Time Capsule.
“It was vital to create a sweet and safe environment where we start each session with a cup of hot chocolate.
People who are grieving (like myself) can feel detached and this needs to be addressed and enable us to be functional again” adds Desirée Vlekken - founder of 4get-me-not
If anyone is over 60yrs + or a caregiver, and would like to attend one of Chocoholic’s monthly group meetings, they can email the team at info@4get-me-not.org to register.
For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr - Email: zareen@w2wevents.com