Check out the exclusive scoop on Amber Jeffrey, the powerhouse behind The Grief Gang, a groundbreaking podcast and platform setting new norms on grief discussions. Amber’s journey began after the devastating loss of her mother in 2016, propelling her to craft a community specifically tailored for younger individuals grappling with loss.

At just 19, Amber faced the heart-wrenching reality of her mother’s sudden passing from a heart attack at 51. Struggling to find the right support, she discovered a gaping hole in the available services. Leaflets and counselling sessions seemed mismatched, aimed more at older demographics and offering little resonance with her experiences as a young woman of colour.

“I felt like none of these services were saying, ‘We get you, we understand,'” she reveals.

The hurdles continued as she attempted to access NHS counselling, only to be met with impractical timings that clashed with her work schedule. Frustrated, she spent three years trying to bury her grief before realising she needed assistance. However, lengthy waiting lists and financial constraints left her with no viable options for support.

Determined to bridge this gap, Amber took matters into her own hands, birthing The Grief Gang podcast. Transforming her pain into a powerful initiative, she began sharing her journey, offering solace to others navigating similar paths. What started as a personal project gained rapid traction, resonating deeply with a growing community of listeners seeking solace and understanding.

Her platform became a sanctuary for sharing stories and experiences, a space Amber wished she had when she lost her mother. “I didn’t want to stop talking about my mum,” she emphasises, acknowledging the ongoing evolution of her grief, resurfacing unexpectedly during life milestones and mundane moments.

Reflecting on her tumultuous journey, Amber acknowledges her initial anger, a natural response to an irreparable loss at a young age. Today, she approaches her emotions with grace, understanding the necessity of acknowledging and expressing them constructively. She actively engages in various coping mechanisms, from attending online grief support groups to therapeutic journaling and empowering walks.

Through her work, Amber discovered invaluable lessons, understanding the diversity in grieving processes and embracing life’s fragility. Her grief became a catalyst for taking charge, compelling her to curate the life she desires, seizing control where possible.

Amber’s resilience and commitment to her community stand as a testament to the transformative power of turning personal loss into a beacon of hope for others navigating the intricate landscape of grief.