On the last Thursday each month, we offer a grief and celebration circle, an intimate and confidential space to express our deepest emotions. This is a coming together of the village in a way that supports a sense of belonging and friendship — and is able to hold both the tears and the laughter as we drink from the deeper well of poetry and storytelling.

We strongly believe that creating a regular space to ritually express both grief and joy is a keystone of community, and something that is often absent in modernity.

The space is hosted by Dr Hannah Macdougall, an Australian elite Para athlete, dual Paralympian and Inclusion Advocate with a PhD in well-being. It was founded by Wendy Haynes, an award-winning celebrant with three decades of experience at funerals, memorials, weddings and more.

This session is free to members of The Fifth Direction. You can join here or purchase a guest pass.

We are a welcome community for everyone. This includes people of all genders, faiths, backgrounds, orientations, ages and abilities.