Bereavement Q&A – practical solutions to common problems

Hi M

Just a couple of thoughts.

Those of us here who use this forum all do so  in the hope that we can 'connect' with others experiencing the same sorts of things that we are.

I think we might all agree? That this works well.

However the inclusion of objective opinions from 'outside' the actual experience has a different, if no less valuable part to play in my view. I am glad that this is now being explored.

Suggestions? It is obviously important to give access to these sessions to as many members who indicate they might benefit from them.

In order to best do this, I can totally appreciate the invitation from yourselves to solicit questions from those who may not be able to participate in the 'live sessions' ahead of time, so that their questions can be responded to, in a way that is inclusive of the spirit of the intentions of the session.

However, constructive criticism on the way ......feel free to ignore! The session itself is 'billed' as an opportunity to participate LIVE on line with experts who had unquestionable credentials to offer in response to a variety of concerns, which gives a sense of immediacy.

However, the questions were responded to on a 'first come, first served basis' rather than to those who had 'turned up' perhaps in the hope of being 'spoken to live?'.

I was happy with the response to my query (spot on actually!) but was left wondering why I had kept an appointment with a 'live session' to have taken my place behind those with towels to put on the sun loungers!

Would it not be a better idea to deal with those 'turning up live' first? 

The pre- posted questions offer a greater opportunity for responses in terms of 'off line time' which could be offered at the end of the session, without necessarily extending the length of the 'live element of it'.

All the above offered in appreciation of the help offered to people like me, whether or not my comments help towards those ends or not, is secondary to the intent expressed. Thank you.

Sandra x

Well said Sandra ,

i read the posts and didn't even think about it . Well done for having your thinking head on unlike me but I totally agree.

Karen xx

Hi Carol and Sandra,

Thanks for taking the time to give some feedback - it's much appreciated. Sandra, you make some excellent points - especially the 'towels on the sun loungers' one. 

We solicit  some questions in advance because (as you say) people who may not be able to attend the live session are included, and our experts get an idea of the type of issues that may arise in the live Q&A - and they also have time to prepare some responses.

I think that we will make an effort to be more 'live' with future Q&A sessions - it seems much fairer to give answers firstly to the people who are with us online and then move on to the questions asked in advance.

'Those of us here who use this forum all do so  in the hope that we can 'connect' with others experiencing the same sorts of things that we are'.

I totally agree, the way that people support each other on here is amazing - but I think that some concerns benefit from input by professionals - I'm thinking about the 'flashbacks' issues that were spoken about in the Q&A. 

I'm so glad that the session was useful and we'd be happy to organise more.

M.

Thanks very  much - I found this Q&A session very useful.  Not too keen on being seen as one of the towels on sunloungers types though!!

Sorry Eva Jo - it was just a really good description of where and how we could improve things in order to have a better live chat. No offence meant.

Hi Lakeslover. Running a session in an evening is a good idea - we'll look into it.
I think that we can make it a sticky thread - we'll also be making a transcript of the content and publishing it on the site.