This is a space for grief.
A space to be seen.
Share your voice, explore others' stories, and find connection in the space between loss and healing. This gallery holds space for all the ways we carry our grief.
Pathlight:
Stories of Youth and Grief
Pathlight is a project about making space for youth grief through stories, images, and voices.
We’re building a digital gallery: a gentle online space where young people can share their experiences anonymously.
With every story, photo, message, and moment shared, the gallery grows, offering more ways for young people to feel seen, supported, and less alone.
“Being able to use all that happened to me to have a positive impact, to redefine it and turn it into a source of good instead of leaving a painful scar.”
– H. Workshop Participant
Scroll down to find what feels right, or share your voice now.
What you wish the adults in your life understood about your grief.
Don’t Say ‘At Least’
dear adults, when i talk about my grandad dying please don’t say “at least he lived a long life” or “you had more time than some people” or stuff like that. i know you mean well but it kinda makes it worse. like i’m not meant to feel this sad. he was my person. the one who always had my back, made me feel safe. now he’s gone and there’s just this big empty space. sometimes i don’t need you to say anything clever. just say “that sucks” or “i’m here if you need me”. that’s it. don’t try to make it better. just let it be what it is. *Example adapted from a young person’s story
Please Don’t Make It Weird
Sometimes when I bring him up, people get weird or change the subject, or look at me like I should stop. That just makes me feel like I’m not allowed to remember him or that he didn’t really matter. And that’s worse than the sadness. I don’t want to forget him. I want to remember the funny stuff, the stuff he used to do, how he made me feel. Saying his name doesn’t make the pain worse; it makes him real to me. So yeah, just please don’t make it feel weird when I talk about him. I really need that.I want teachers to know that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What really helps is when someone listens without judgment, when they don’t panic or treat you like you’re broken, and when they just let you be yourself. Creating a safe space where students like me can talk openly or just hang out and be accepted makes a huge difference. Because the more we speak, the less alone we feel. Thanks for reading this. It’s been a long journey, but having someone who understands makes all the difference. *Example adapted from a young person’s story
Images that bring comfort, peace, or remind you of good things.
A picture of the sunset, the day my grandad passed.
Holding On to the Spark
Words of understanding for someone walking a similar path.
Someone Out There Gets It
one day i heard someone talk about losing someone too. it wasn’t exactly the same but something about it made me feel seen. like maybe i wasn’t totally alone. so if you’re reading this and feel like no one gets it, i promise someone does.
Hold On to the Good Stuff
Don’t try to forget the good times. I know sometimes it feels easier to block it all out — like if you don’t remember the happy stuff, maybe it won’t hurt as much. But the truth is, the good memories are what keep them alive in you.
How to Share Your Voice
Your story matters. By sharing your experience, you're helping others feel less alone in their grief journey. Each submission is reviewed with care before being added to our gallery.
You can read our Privacy Policy to see how we protect your information.
You're Not Alone
If you need immediate support, please reach out to other organisations.
Or contact Childline on 0800 1111.
Safe Space
This gallery is moderated with care. All submissions are reviewed before being shared.
Peer Support
Connect with others who understand your journey through shared experiences.
Professional Resources
Access to trained counselors and mental health professionals when you need them.