James McDermott to speak at Living With Grief event in Sheringham

And now the 29-year-old plans to share how he came to terms with bereavement at a ‘Living With Grief’ event being planned for Sheringham on Monday, December 4. 

Mr McDermott, who writes for EastEnders and lectures in creative writing at UEA, said everyone was welcome at the event, where he would share poems and stories he wrote about living with grief after losing a parent. 

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He said he was invited to take part by Carol Wilkinson and Simon Arthur, a grief recovery specialist.

Mr McDermott said: “Having lost my father in 2022, I said yes. 

“Together we've designed an informal informative social event where attendees can hear from speakers about how they live with grief and where to go locally for bereavement support. 

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“Art and books about grief will also be on display for attendees to browse. 

“Last year, my father died suddenly from Covid-19. Writing about the experience and the subsequent grief helped me slow down time when I was going through so much so quickly.

“Writing grief poetry helped me process, articulate and carry the weight of my grief.

"As part of this event, I will read a selection of these poems in the hope that they help other mourners feel seen and heard and help people who are yet to lose someone better understand how grief feels.” 

Mr McDermott previously lived in Weybourne and is now based in Norwich. 

The Oddfellows Hall in Sheringham (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Norfolk's tallest church set for high-level transformation

The event will take place at the Oddfellows Hall in Lifeboat Plain and will include two sessions, from 4pm to 5.30pm and from 6pm to 7.30pm. It is free to attend and there is no need to book.