Full of Words

134: Supporting Grief in Life and Work: Insights from Kirilea Kelly of Red Tree Foundation

Sue Kennedy and Catherine James Episode 134

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy is joined by Kirilea Kelly, Marketing and Corporate Liaison Manager at the Red Tree Foundation, to explore the many dimensions of grief and how words play a central role in the healing process.

Kirilea shares how Red Tree provides free counselling to families who have lost a child, affordable grief and loss support more broadly, and specialised training for businesses seeking to better equip managers and employees to support one another. Their conversation highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, the impact of compassionate workplace policies, and the need for recognising that grief extends far beyond bereavement.

Also, hear about Red Tree’s upcoming “Wave of Light” event for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Listen now!

Listeners of the Full of Words podcast can access an exclusive 20% discount on Red Tree Foundation’s
Grief and Loss Manager Training—click the link to claim it!


Highlights: 

  • (01:21) Understanding the many forms of grief — from bereavement to redundancy.
  • (05:00) Why one in four employees experience grief each year and the role of managers in providing support.
  • (07:05) The healing power of words in counselling, journaling, and creative expression.
  • (09:14) Why the loss of a pet can be just as significant as other forms of grief.
  • (13:36) “Disenfranchised grief” and its long-term impact when left unprocessed.
  • (17:06) Training managers in grief and loss support: best practices for organisations.
  • (20:10) The value of group counselling in workplaces and its lasting effect on teams.
  • (27:48) Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and the “Wave of Light” at Adelaide Oval.


Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au 

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert 

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au

Booking Link:  https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course


Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact 


Guest Link:
Website: https://www.redtreefoundation.org.au/