National Grief Awareness Week is an annual event led by the Good Grief Trust. This year it takes place from 2nd to 8th December 2024 and is all about shining a light on people, places, and projects that help people through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

It is dedicated to raising awareness about grief, supporting people who are grieving, and promoting a better understanding of the grieving process.

It acknowledges that grief is a natural response to loss and encourages empathy and compassion for people who are grieving, aiming to break the stigma surrounding this challenging part of human experience.

How to take part in National Grief Awareness Week 2024

National Grief Awareness Week is a dedicated time for people, organisations and communities to come together in a meaningful way to support those who are grieving and work towards breaking down the barriers surrounding grief. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Encourage people to share their experiences with grief, either through writing, art, or discussions can help others feel less alone in their grief journey.
• Look out for and share information about local or online grief support events which can provide information and a supportive community for people who need it.
• Offer your time and empathy to listen without judgment.
• Use social media and other platforms to share information about National Grief Awareness Week, including resources for support.
• Support organisations dedicated to helping individuals cope with grief and loss.

Grief and Cinema

Grief Awareness Week shines a light on experiences of grief, a universal but deeply personal experience.  Film and cinema can provide opportunities to raise awareness, support education and broaden understanding about grief, and ignite important discussions about how we look after each other. Find some highlighted films on this page, along with resources to support the wellbeing of cinema audiences.

Volunteers’ Week takes place in June every year, this week it runs from 3rd – 9th June. It’s a chance to say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK to support our communities.

The Week is open to anyone to take part – this can include carrying out an act of kindness, doing some volunteering or contributing to discussion. Find more information here.

The week is led in partnership by NCVO, Volunteer Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action and supported by organisations across the UK.

Volunteers and Cinema

Hundreds of community cinemas across the UK are volunteer-run, with people bringing their love of cinema and the audience experience to life in their communities. There are also many other independent venues that simply would not be able to provide the special and personal experiences they do without the support of volunteers. This is a week to give extra thanks to these brilliant people.

Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week in February shines a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health, launched by Place2Be, who provide mental health support in UK schools. The theme for 2026 is “This Is My Place.” You can find lots of resources to support work around this here.

Around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem (1). In addition, many children and young people struggle with a range of challenges such as bullying or bereavement.

Cinema and mental health

Often misrepresented, mental health stories on screen can add to stigma around mental health conditions. Taking opportunities to raise awareness, and supporting education, cinemas can screen films to broaden understanding about mental health experiences, and ignite important discussions about how we look after each other.

Screenings can be for a range of audiences, from children and young people themselves to parents, carers and professionals who work with young people. Find some ideas for film screenings and events relating to Children’s Mental Health Week on this page.

Cinema and wellbeing

The activity of visiting a cinema can be beneficial to wellbeing. You may wish to consider accessibility and support for a diverse range of audiences.

If you’re interested in running a relaxed screening, to help support audiences with additional needs in your cinema, find out more in our quick tips for running relaxed screenings. You may also find some transferable advice in our autism-friendly screenings guide. Ideally, consult with relevant groups in your area for advice and expertise on supporting audiences.

(1) NHS Digital (2018) ‘Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017.” Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2017/2017. Based on 12.8% of 5-19 year olds being identified as having a diagnosable mental health condition.