FAMILY MATTERS SPONSORED FEATURE MARCH 6-12, 2014 | PAGE 23
How do you cope with separation and loss? Guest expert opinion by Elaine Arnold, PhD Director, Separation and Reunion Forum
C
urrently immigration to Britain is a much debated subject and for some people, especially of African Caribbean origin, who were invited to immigrate to Britain and who came in large numbers during the 1950s, 1960s the discussions cannot fail to stir memories of the unwanted separation and the loss. I was privileged to meet and listen to the life stories of many men and women who have been able to make the link between the emotional costs of the experience of migration and the socio-political environment in which they settled. They noted adverse psychological health on themselves and some of the current generations. As a result of some these conversations a small number of women requested that some action be taken to raise awareness of the traumatic effects of immigration on the emotional health of families from the Caribbean. This marked the beginning of the Separation and Reunion Forum (SRF), a unique organisation founded in 1998. SRF is open to those who have personal and professional experience of issues arising from broken attachments, separation and loss in their families. The founding members of SRF suggested that the first task of the organisation should be a conference inviting professionals from the caring professions who very often did not take the early experience of loss and grief into account when clients presented with problems to them. They thought that the knowledge of Attachment Theory was an important tool in the
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR: Ms Dawn Edge
assessment and work with people who mourn their losses. The inaugural conference held in 2000 was a resounding success with participants requesting that the conference be held annually. Since then conferences with themes of contemporary issues, which affect all individuals who experience traumatic separation and loss such as: s 2EFUGEES s !SYLUM SEEKERS s #HILDREN IN ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE s "OARDING SCHOOLS s )N LONG TERM CARE s &AMILIES SEPARATED BECAUSE OF PARENTS working abroad, in hospitals, and prisons s $EATH OF PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS SRF is an educational organisation that also offers counselling and therapy to those who require assistance.
About Elaine Arnold, PhD She researched the effects on the relationships between mothers and children who had been separated for long periods during the mass immigration from the West Indies to Britain. In 1998 together with some women of African Caribbean origin who had experienced separation as children, she founded the organisation known as the Separation Reunion Forum with the aim of raising awareness of broken attachments and the effects of separation and loss in families. Ms Arnold has written several articles on the theme of broken attachments through immigration and her book ‘Working with families of African Caribbean Origin. Understanding issues around Immigration and Attachment,’ summarises the research and its implication for work in contemporary society, where she highlights that separation and loss through other circumstances are just as painful and traumatic for individuals and families.
www.serefo.org.uk SEPARATION AND REUNION FORUM (SRF) INVITES YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER. WE OFFER HELP & ADVICE ON A HOST OF SUBJECTS WHICH INCLUDE:
RAISING AWARENESS
of how early Relationships in Families Influence the personality of an individual
FACILITATING SUPPORT for persons who have experienced separation and loss Individually or in Groups
WE HOST
Bi-monthly seminars which highlight the current issues facing children and families. We also welcome, invitations to speak on the issues of Attachment, Separation and Loss
PROMOTING POSITIVE
and open communication between family members that creates trust, nurturing and healthy interactions
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE to reinforce positive values in relationships within and outside of families and with those in authority
OFFERING CONSULTATION & TRAINING to students and professionals researching issues of attachment, separation and loss.
If you are concerned about any of the above mentioned issues and would like SUPPORT or ADVICE please contact our office:
Separation and Reunion Forum (SRF) Room 3, 250 York Road, London SW11 3SJ
020 7801 0135 OR 07903 017188
serefo.info@gmail.com