Compassionate Week 2025
@ Vrije Universiteit Brussel

17:00-18:30: Voices of Compassion (NL/ENG)

📍 Pilar box, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek

This evening is dedicated to grief and healing through poetry, stories, and music. Do you have a poem, text, or piece of music you would like to share, whether it's your own work or someone else's? Then please fill out  this form  or send an email to Tara.Brusselaers@vub.be.

The event is open to everyone!

12:00-14:00: Compassionate Cards and Remembrance Tree

📍 Esplanade, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek & VUB Health Campus Jette 

Write a card for someone you miss or want to support. You can also leave a ribbon in our “tree of comfort.” Cards and postage are free of charge.

16:00-19:00: Expertisecentrum Palliatieve Zorg Brussel (EPZ-dag) (NL)

📍 Gebouw 1, Campus Jette

More information: https://www.endoflifecare.be/epz-brussel-expertisecentrum-palliatieve-zorg-brussel

17:00-18:30: Voorstelling Rauw Rouw (NL)

📍 Pilar, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek

In een constant veranderend landschap van blauwe zeilen baant een vrouw in haar eentje een weg door haar rauw verlies. Terwijl ze verschillende manieren zoekt om haar rouw een plek te geven, botst ze op onhandige reacties van haar omgeving en afgedekte herinneringen.
RauwRouw neemt je mee op én doorheen golven van sprekende beelden en herkenbare situaties. Via een fysieke en beeldende taal probeert deze kwetsbare voorstelling het ongrijpbare thema vorm te geven. Het toont een zoektocht naar verbinding en gedragenheid in rouw.
Meer info & inschrijving: https://pilar.brussels/nl/events/rauwrouw

13:00-14:30: Grief in Higher Education: Practical Guidance for Support and Sharing Experiences  (ENG)

📍 Online webinar

Anna May, founder of the Student Grief Network and Executive Head of Kaplan International Grief Programmes, will present the Higher Education Bereavement Framework. This webinar offers valuable insights for everyone working or studying in higher education, with practical guidance on how to better support students and staff coping with bereavement and grief.
The event is free and open to all. After registering, you’ll receive a link to join the webinar online.
Please register here. 

12:00-14:00: Compassionate Cards and Remembrance Tree

📍 Esplanade, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek & VUB Health Campus Jette 

Write a card for someone you miss or want to support. You can also leave a ribbon in our “tree of comfort.” Cards and postage are free of charge.

17:00-18:00:  Moment of Comfort 

📍 Esplanade, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek

Since 2019, the VUB has commemorated students and staff we have had to say goodbye to each year. This is done through a modest ceremony during a Moment of Comfort at the Monument of Comfort. During this short, intimate ceremony, we listen to a few brief speeches, interspersed with music.

18:00-19:30: Compassionate Café

📍 Bar Buna, VUB Main Campus Etterbeek

After the ceremony, you are warmly welcome at the Compassionate Café. This gathering offers a space to talk in an informal atmosphere, to share memories, and to engage in open conversations about loss, grief, and caregiving.