Organisations and individuals are being invited to take part in the To Absent Friends festival

A new fund has been launched to help celebrate those who are no longer with us.

A small grants fund has been set up to support people in Scotland to put on remembrance events this November as part of the To Absent Friends festival.

This year has been a long and difficult year for many. Covid-19 has caused loss on many levels, and grieving in times of the outbreak has been extra hard for people forced to stay distant from family and community.

The To Absent Friends festival takes place across Scotland every year from 1-7 November. It was established in 2014 as an opportunity for people across Scotland to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people they love who have died. Anyone and everyone can take part, in whatever way seems right to them.

This year, the festival organisers are offering small grants (up to £250) to organisations that want to participate in the festival.

“The To Absent Friends festival is about bringing people together to share stories and solace,” said Rebecca Patterson, director of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.

“In previous years we’ve seen people organise all kinds of get-togethers including coffee mornings, concerts, art activities, walks and time for quiet reflection. Physical distancing rules will likely mean that this year we see more online events, outdoor gatherings and smaller numbers together at one time. But the memories and human connections shared can be just as meaningful.”

“Covid-19 has brought with it much loss and much grief,” she continued.

“There will be many who need to take the time to reflect on those who died this year, in times of Covid-19, with all the distress and loneliness that brought. And, as in previous years, there will be many who want to take time to remember those who died in recent years and long ago but who will be forever dear to them.”

Though people are encouraged to design their own event, the organisers have put together a list of suggestions for people looking for ideas of how to take part. They are encouraging charities, care homes, communities, hospitals, neighbours, schools, workplaces, faith communities, and others to apply for the grants, and organise their own To Absent Friends remembrance event in November.

You can find out more about the festival here and applications for grants can be made online.