Bereavement support
Support with Bereavement
Bereavement affects people in diverse ways and there is no right or wrong way to feel. You may feel shocked or numb on learning of a bereavement. You may feel angry or feel some guilt or you may simply cry and feel sad. In time these feelings may begin to change as you adapt to a different way of life. When someone dies, your bond with that person does not stop, but will develop into a different but equally significant relationship (a continuing bond).
In a society and culture where were don’t speak openly about grief, many of us don’t fully appreciate the psychological and physical feelings that we may experience. This may they also lead us to worry about whether these feelings are “normal” – we could encourage you to watch this Marie Curie video, where some people share their personal experiences.
You may or may not want support with bereavement; everyone is different, and some people wish to grieve privately whereas others may find it helpful to get support from friends, family or professionals who have relevant skills and experience. We warmly invite you to join our peer bereavement support group, if you think that might be helpful. Please also know that we understand how significant the loss can be when a pet dies.
If you feel that you may benefit from some additional support, your GP may be able to refer you to local support groups or counselling services and if you are employed, your company may offer an “Employee Assistance Program” which may be able to offer you support.
Wellbeing after bereavement
Everyone is different and if you are looking after yourself and / or others after a bereavement then it can be helpful to have a full “toolkit” of ways to support wellbeing.
As well as resources, such as books, podcasts, support groups and 1:1 support there are also other activities that it can be helpful to know about. Many people find music to be very important after loss, and we know that nutrition, movement and activities which support the development of continuing bonds can all be invaluable.
Some people tell us that it is helpful to try something new, whereas others know that they need to take it very slowly and create stability and structure. One of the many benefits of attending a peer bereavement support group is that you can hear from others what they have found helpful and share your experiences with them too (if you want to).
Grief Podcasts
There are many resources available to support people with grief, loss and bereavement. If you are aware of what is available, then you are more likely to find something that is helpful for you. Many of us now enjoy audiobooks and podcasts, especially as we travel or need to give our eyes a break from reading and screens
In addition to the Full Circle podcast there are many other grief podcasts available, and we have listed a few for you to consider. You may find that some resonate more with you than others so you might like to try a few different ones before deciding which one you find most helpful.
Griefcast: Funny People Talking About Death – hosted by Cariad Lloyd it describes itself as considering the “human experience of grief and death”. It has won many awards and it very highly regarded
Terrible, Thanks For Asking – hosted by Nora McInerny, this grief podcast focusses on talking honestly about pain, awkwardness and loss
Good Grief – hosted by Sam Sabin is a serialized podcast where she shares her own everyday experience of grief and loss
What’s Your Grief – this fabulous grief podcasts describes itself as “gabbing about grief”, “chatting about coping” and “gossiping with the grief gals”
Grief Out Loud – hosted by Jana DeCristofaro welcomes us to open up the often avoided conversation about death and grief and shares stories and practical tips with listeners
Grief Relief – hosted by Moe Provencher describes itself as talking “with people about loss and the ways it changes us – our bodies, our behavior, our minds, our hearts, our lives”
Coming Back: Life After Loss – hosted by Shelby Forsythia (Intuitive Grief Guide), explores the ideas, resources, and stories that help us “come back” to life after death, divorce, illness and other losses
A Safe Place to Breathe – Conversations about Love, Life, Loss, and Grief – In our Full Circle grief podcast, we speak to people who have first-hand experience.
Bradford Bereavement Support
This support group is run by concerned volunteers and has developed a team of trained volunteer counselors who offer bereavement counselling.
Call: 01274 619522
bradfordbereavement.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care
This nationwide service provides bereavement counselling, advice, information, and social contact.
Call: 0844 477 9400
www.cruse.org.uk
HOPE Bereavement Support
Offering support for parents or mothers who have suffered the loss of a child or pregnancy.
[email protected].
Call: 07505129161
https://hopebereavementsupport.com
The Compassionate Friends
Giving support to parents whose son or daughter has died.
Call: 0845 123 2304
www.tcf.org.uk
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
This foundation provides support for the parents of a baby who has died suddenly and unexpectedly.
Call: 0808 802 6868
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
This service provides cancer information, practical advice, and emotional support for patients, families, and friends who are bereaved by cancer.
Call: 0808 808 00 00
www.macmillan.org.uk
RoadPeace
The UK’s national charity for road crash victims provides support to those bereaved or injured in a road crash.
Call: 0845 4500355
www.roadpeace.org
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
SOBS offers group meetings, telephone support, and information to those recently bereaved by suicide.
Call: 0844 561 6855
www.uk-sobs.org.uk
Child Death Helpline
This is a helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, regardless of when it happened.
Freephone: 0800 282 983
www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
The Samaritans
A charity offering a supportive person to talk to. There are more than 180 branches open 24 hours a day.
Call: 08457 909090
www.samaritans.org
Care For The Family
A national charity supporting people who face family difficulties
Call: 029 2081 0800
https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/
WAY Foundation
Support for young, windowed men and women across the UK, regardless of martial or parental status.
Call: 0300 012 4929
widowedandyoung.org.uk
The Terrence Higgins Trust
A charity providing practical support, help, counselling, and advice for anyone with or concerned about AIDS or HIV infection.
Call: 0808 802 1221
www.tht.org.uk
Maggie’s Centre
Maggie’s say: “If you’ve lost someone you love to cancer, we’re here to listen to how your feel; we can help you find a way to go on and start to move forward.’
At A Loss
Here you can search all UK bereavement services, practical information, find helpful reads and helplines and access free on-line professional counselling all in one place.