A woman who became a mother, lost her partner and discovered she had HIV within 18 months is to appear at a conference in Hull to explain the impact of bereavement.

International speaker and award-winning social entrepreneur Lizzie Jordan will attend “At A Loss For Words”, a conference aiming to help company bosses and employers support staff returning to work following the death of a loved one.

The event, at the MKM Stadium in Hull, will feature presentations, discussions and workshops to empower employers to communicate well with bereaved employees, ensuring a supportive environment as they navigate their way through grief.

Lizzie is CEO of Think2Speak, a social enterprise company she set up to support people to have conversations about difficult topics, will deliver “Rising from the Ashes”, her personal account of returning to work following the death of her partner.

Alex Wray, Matron for End of Life in Specialist Cancer and Support Services Care Group, said: “Lizzie will be able to share her own experiences to help people feel more confident speaking to a member of their team coming back to work after experiencing the death of someone they love.

“When someone loses a loved one, people around them often don’t know what to say or worry that what they say will make that person feel worse.

“Attending this event means employers will have the confidence to support any member of their staff experiencing bereavement, knowing they have the right tools to offer the right support.”

Other speakers will include Janis Hostad, a lecturer and staff development matron at the Queen’s Centre in Cottingham, Bereavement Consultant John Creasey and Lucy Vere, Director of Learning and Organisational Development, who will discuss the benefits of providing benefit support in the workplace.

The free event will run from 7.30am to 1pm on Friday, 14 June and delegates will also have the chance to learn about and meet representatives from bereavement services.

To register, email sandra.kelly12@nhs.net or call 01482 461260.