Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung people.

We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that sovereignty has never been ceded. We hope to pay our deepest respects to Boon Wurrung elders, past and present, and wish to extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People across this Country we know as Australia.

Switchboard’s LGBTQIA+ Suicide Bereavement Program is hosting a series of creative bereavement sessions where participants will connect with loss after a suicide by participating in expressive exploration. When we experience grief, we feel big emotions, creativity and movement. Creative expression can allow us to understand our experiences differently, help us in our relationship to grief, and assist with connecting to our feelings and experiences that can feel beyond words.

Date: Thursday, 12th December
Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm AEDT
Location: Venue in Fairfield, VIC, 3078. Details shared after registration.
Facilitator: Su Mei Tan (She/Her)

Su Mei Tan (she/her) is an Art Therapist, Family Art Therapist, Yoga Therapist, Arts-Based Supervisor and the Founder of Art Tearapy, a social enterprise with locations in the East and West of Naarm (Melbourne) and Kuala Lumpur. She specializes in integrating creative expression through art therapy and mindfulness practices like the Tea Ceremony to promote healing and personal growth. Being a third culture kid, Su Mei is passionate about supporting diverse communities, including first- and second-generation immigrants like herself, refugees, and the LGBTIQA+ community. She provides a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their inner worlds, build resilience, and foster emotional well-being. Through her holistic approach, she empowers people to connect with their strengths and cultivate serenity.

In this workshop, Su Mei will guide us through a tea ceremony to explore our experiences with suicide loss. Together, we will brew, pour and taste different varieties of tea, as well as take part in a guided meditation – holding, sharing and releasing our grief and some of the emotions associated with it in the process. This is a practice of honouring the loss of a loved one, whilst being in community with other LGBTIQA+ people who have been through a similar experience. Su Mei will conclude the session facilitating a check-out activity for participants to transition out of the space gently.

Places are limited so please let us know as soon as you can if you would like to come along.
One of our team will get in contact after you’ve registered to speak to you further about your interest in coming along.
If you have any questions about the event before you’d like to register please reach out: 0437 918 239 or via email: bereavement@switchboard.org.au

Venue Accessibility:
The venue is located in Fairfield, 3078. It is a 5 minute walk from Fairfield train station and a 1 minute walk to the closest tram stop.
Entrances: There is two main entrances, each with a manual double door for entry. Both are wheelchair accessible.
Interior Navigation: Hallways are wide and well-lit. Floors are non-slip and free of obstacles.
Restrooms: There is one accessible restroom available, featuring a grab bars, lower sinks, and space for maneuvering a wheelchair. There is other restrooms – traditionally gendered, all-gender for this event.
Seating Areas: Seating is arranged to allow for easy movement and includes spaces for individuals with mobility devices.
Parking: There is public parking next to the venue.
For any additional needs or specific accommodations, please contact us at bereavement@switchboard.org.au