Series 2 Episode 14 - Phil Cookson, Creative Resource Director + School of Thought founder, on coping methods for grief, life as a widower and combatting loneliness

Same Sh*t, Different Brain

This week, Rebecca speaks to Phil Cookson, director of Creative Resource and Founder of the School of Thought.

Phil spoke about the passing of his wife in 2019, before then losing his mum a few months later. He talked about how he found the process of grief, including navigating loneliness in lockdown, managing anniversaries, honing in on his own coping methods and helping his dad to come to terms with loss too.

Phil made a children’s book about his wife to gift to his young niece, who was born just after she died. He wanted her to get to know the person her auntie was and the process of creating provided an invaluable positive focus point. Another cathartic experience was five days walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall in winter with his dog Oscar, raising £5,000 for a local cancer charity. He also spoke about starting the School of Thought to empower others in their career development and confidence.

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