The Griffith Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) have set up the Christmas Tree of Remembrance at Griffith City Library again this year. The committee wanted to give those who may be grieving during Christmas an opportunity to share their memories of missing loved ones with others in the community.

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"People can sit here and reflect and think about their loved ones, write a message on one of the tags and then hang it on the tree," Margaret King, chairwoman of the Griffith LHAC said.

"It's just to recognise that this time of year can be very difficult for those who have lost loved ones,"

There is no normal way to deal with grief says Mrs King but it can be beneficial to acknowledge feelings of sadness when occasions such as Christmas time arrive.

"It's a way to recognise the sadness and loss but to also to remember loved ones," Mrs King said.

"What's also helpful is reading other people's messages because it could bring a little bit of comfort in seeing that you are not alone in feeling a little bit sad.

"It's quite normal to feel sad and miss your loved one at this time of year and a lot of people are going through something similar."

Information is also available next to the tree offering people tips and reassurance in dealing with grief during Christmas.

People can contribute to the tree throughout December 2020 after which the tags will be collected, cremated and then scattered at a symbolic event somewhere yet to be determined.

"I'll have the ashes in a container and then we'll scatter them somewhere nice like the community gardens."

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