This morning I received the following message in one of the book club chats:

Would anyone like to join me in doing this lovely thing on 31st Jan?

It’s for a good cause and I loved getting dressed up fancy for no reason at all last year!

You don’t have to donate to participate (but if you want to great) as it’s about awareness that a lot of people are grieving in varying degrees of secrecy and this is a lovely, sparkly way of shining a light on those dark places 🖤

Party Dress Day is an event that raises money for Good Grief Trust – and anyone can get involved!

From their Just Giving page:

Party Dress Day will be returning for 2025! You are invited to don your party best to feel good and raise funds for The Good Grief Trust on Friday 31 January.

Everyone is welcome so encourage your colleagues, classmates, family and friends to join in.

So get out that frock, snazzy shirt or your favourite pair of shoes, wear it on Friday 31 January, whether you are walking the dog or in the office, and make a donation.

Those who partake are encouraged to post and use the hashtag #partydressday so images can be shared on the @partydressday Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds.

They’ve also got an official Party Dress Day playlist on Spotify to get your party started:

Here’s the Just Giving page with more information and links!

Dressing up might seem frivolous but this small action has the power to lift your mood and feel part of a caring community. 

Best of all, your donations go to help those who are bereaved feel that they are not alone.

The Good Grief Trust is an inspiring organisation that brings together grief services under one umbrella. It aims to raise awareness of issues around bereavement and try to change the way we deal with this taboo subject in the UK, ensure acknowledgement of the potentially severe effects of grief and encourage us all to talk it about it more openly.

From the JG page