NEWConnective addresses the theme of death in different ways. We offer space and support for mourning, commemoration and counselling. You can find more information about what we offer below.
A few times a year, NEWConnective organises Grief Groups for students who have lost a loved one. These groups hold six to eight meetings, under the guidance of a professional spiritual caretaker. The groups are offered in Dutch and English. You can register by sending an email to newconnective@vu.nl.
A few times a year, NEWConnective organises Grief Cafés. These moments are one time, small scale gatherings of people who want to share about their grief and grieving process. We have built in ways to share as much as you like, and to indicate so in a low-key way.
With the Grief Café, NEWConnective wants to open up a space to speak about grief on campus. The difference with our Mourning Groups is that the Cafés are one off gatherings, instead of a longer process guided by a professional spiritual caretaker.
The Cafés provide the opportunity to meet other’s who are grieving a lost loved one. It doesn’t matter where in the grieving process you are; you are welcome to join and share.
If you have any ideas about other Grief Groups we can offer, don't hesitate to contact us. For instance: in the past, we've offered a Gaza Grief Group and a Grief Group for a group of students who lost a friend. We can help you organise a group at very short notice, and think with you about the content, form and practicalities.
Incidentally, NEWConnective organises Moments of Silence and Commemoration. We use the Silence Room (HG 1A-53) to facilitate these moments. In these moments, you can light a candle, sit in silence and reflect. If you want to talk with us about organising a moment of silence, please don’t hestitate to contact us.
Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts and thoughts of death? You can reach out to 113 Zelfmoordpreventie, an organisation that is available 24/7 for (anonymous) calls and chats. You can reach them by phone on 0800-0113 or at www.113.nl.
There is also help available at VU, for example with the VU student psychologists. You can reach them at studentpsychologen@vu.nl. They offer workshops, groups and training, but also one-on-one therapy.
NEWConnective will offer programs considering the themes of suicide, hope and resilience in the future. Keep an eye on our website to remain up-to-date.