Bereavement Support

Most people expect to be very upset or distressed when someone close to them has died. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last. People around you may seem to think you should be ‘back to normal’ after a few weeks or months. You might appear to be your usual self to other people, but you know that on the inside, you’re not even sure what normal is anymore.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them and their relationship with the person who has died. Well-intentioned people may say to you, ‘Time is a great healer.’ Sometimes, however, it can seem that life is more difficult as the weeks and months go by.

We know that no-one can understand exactly what your loss feels like to you. But we do understand that it’s sometimes easier to talk to someone outside of your friends and family about grief and the impact of bereavement of your life and this is why we offer the GriefChat service.

Need to Talk?

GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the GriefChat box on the bottom right of your screen, you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.

Stages of Bereavement

  Experts generally agree there are four stages of bereavement or grief:

  • Accepting that your loss is real
  • Experiencing the pain of grief
  • Adjusting to life without the person who has died
  • Giving less emotional energy to grieving and channelling it into something new

Most people on their journey through coping with a bereavement will probably go through some, if not all of these stages. You won’t necessarily move from one to the next very smoothly. At times your grief may represent itself as being out of control, however these chaotic feelings will eventually subside and become less intrusive over time.

Helpful Bereavement Services

Cruse Bereavement Care (England and Wales)

Call: 0808 808 1677​
The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours until 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
www.cruse.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care, PO Box 800, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1RG.

Samaritans

Call: 116123
www.samaritans.org
jo@samaritans.org
Samaritans offer a 24-hour phone listening service.

Citizens Advice

To find your nearest bureau visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
This nationwide service is an excellent source of practical help and advice.