The Dead People’s Group Offers Support to Grieving Millennials

“The Dead People’s Group” offers an online outlet for younger grievers to heal, support, and struggle collectively without judgement or criticism.

The Dead People’s Group is a safe virtual space where 20 and 30-somethings gather to grieve, to heal. The group was founded in 2020 by Bre Metcalf-Oshinsky, who lost her mother to cancer at age 16. She says a high school bereavement group was the only place she felt fully understood. The teens called it The Dead People’s Group, hence this new group pays homage to its namesake.

Bre Metcalf-Oshinsky is founder and moderator.
Credit: thedeadpeoplesgroup.com

The pandemic triggered those traumatic emotions of grief for Metcalf-Oshinsky. She launched this free virtual bereavement group to normalize the things she was feeling.  She soon discovered others were having similar experiences.

The group’s website clearly defines the peer group’s overall purpose: “We need to speak about the unspeakable.” The group is an exercise in collective expression and communication based on its mission: “real people, real talk.” But The Dead People’s Group is not a professionally led experience. Young mourners are encouraged to support and celebrate each other.  In a recent interview for NY1 Spectrum News, Metcalf-Oshinsky stated, “It’s not therapy, it is hanging out with friends in a dedicated space to talk about common experiences around grief.”

The Dead People’s Group
invites members to attend one
time, many times, or any time.

The group used to meet weekly, but now they do so monthly. The rules are simple: positive vibes, no sharing of stories outside the group and speak up if you are distressed.  If members become overwhelmed at any point, they can turn off their camera, mic or log off. Resource lists for mental health services are also provided for those who may need or want additional support.

The Dead People’s Group touts itself as the best club you never want to be a part of. Metcalf-Oshinsky hopes to expand, so more young adults have access to help. She also plans to transition the group to a non-profit status in the near future.

If you are interested in joining the group, send an email including your name, age and a bit about yourself to thedeadpeoplesgroup@gmail.com. Once your application is accepted, you will receive a link to a private Facebook group with access to resources and meetings. Donations are also welcome to support operating costs.