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'We're trying to overcome grief with singing'

Phil Chapman,North Westand
Lauren Hirst,North West
BBC Jay Lander, who is wearing a cream jumper and red scarf, is sitting on a chair during a choir singing session. BBC
Jay Lander joined the choir following the death of her mum Irene Henderson

A man who lost his partner suddenly in 2025 said joining a choir has helped him to begin processing his grief.

Gary Spencer attended the first singing session of Loved and Lost at Crosby Library following the death of his partner Jane Burton.

The programme - which also hosts a monthly reading group - was set up to explore grief and help support those who have lost a loved one.

"My partner passed away six months ago, very suddenly, and obviously I was looking for some kind of some way of processing that grief," he said.

Jay Lander, who lost her mum to dementia in November, also attended the session to help her cope with her loss.

"The grief process is very hard to deal with and I'm trying to overcome that with the singing," she said.

Gary Spencer, who is wearing a black coat and green jumper, is sitting on a chair during a choir singing session.
Gary Spencer is a member of the grief choir at Crosby Library

Lesley Davies, senior development manager at Sefton Libraries, said the choir was set up "to support people who are going through a grief journey".

"It's not about counselling and it's not about immediate help once you've lost somebody," she said.

"It's about that journey you go through, through grief."

A number of people of different ages are standing in a semi-circle and are holding a piece of paper as they are singing.
The choir held its first session back in January at Crosby Library

Erin Rowlands, choir leader, added: "I've been doing some work with the libraries for some time now around grief and singing and moving your body and singing and how that can help people and just lift people up and make them feel better.

"That is what has led to us starting the choir basically which is just absolutely amazing."

The choir meets up on Mondays at 11:00 BST with some exceptions.

Those wishing to attend are advised to check the library's website.

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