A SUPPORT group that uses music to help people cope with end-of-life bereavement has created a song that reflects on the process of grief.

The group began in September 2016, run by St Kentigen’s Hospice, a charity that helps people with end-of-life bereavement based in St Asaph, in collaboration with family support worker Ann Atkin and music therapist Charlotte Bailey.

During the sessions, the group collected thoughts and quotes that had come out of the conversations during their bereavement support sessions to use as the basis for the lyrics in the song.

The song, titled “Looking Forward, Not Forgetting”, reflects the process of grief – the pain, processing, glimmers of hope, learning and growing, represented by symbolism of the seasons.

A spokesperson for the St Kentigen's said: “For this group, who were dealing with huge losses in their lives, the idea of writing a song provided an opportunity to create something together, which honoured their loved ones but also offered them a shared experience of something new to focus on, as they moved through the grief process.

“The resulting song is testimony to the journey this group have been on in processing their grief, and working together as a team to help to ease the sense of loss.”

Charlotte Bailey, music therapist for Nordoff Robins, said: “The role as a music therapist is to enable people who are facing challenges in life to access the benefits of music making in a way that is most helpful for them.

“Song writing allows us to externalise our feelings and experiences, and create something meaningful from our thoughts.”

The song was recorded and put onto CD with the help of Mark Pierce, producer at Revelator Recording Studio in Deganwy.

Group member Suzanne said: “Mark was warm, friendly and compassionate to our feelings. I felt relaxed even though it was nerve-wracking, as I'd never done anything like this before.

“I had lots of laughs but overall Mark was a true professional in his recording studio. Awesome experience!'

The song is credit to the members of the group, but also the lasting legacy of Ms Bailey, whose work with the hospice has come to an end for now, and family support worker, Ann Atkin, who has retired after 13 years with the team at the hospice.

The CD’s are available to purchase for £3 from St Kentigen’s, Upper Denbigh Rd, Saint Asaph, with all proceeds contributing to the hospice's care.