Bereavement help and advice
Bereavement is a painful experience that we are all likely to face in our lifetime. There is no right or wrong way of coping with the death of a loved one, and each of us will experience grief differently based on the relationship we shared with the deceased, the means of passing, and our individual personalities and upbringing.
Most people go through three phases of grief:
- Initial shock or disbelief – the bereaved may have difficulty accepting the death has occurred
- Intense anguish and pain, which can last weeks or months – at this stage can be difficult for the bereaved to think about or plan for the future
- Resolution – which may not come until months or even years after the death
While grieving, you may experience many different things, including:
- shock, numbness and disbelief
- detachment from reality
- anger
- guilt
- sadness, pain and tearfulness
- disrupted sleep and appetite
- weight loss
- preoccupation with the deceased – some people believe they can see their loved one or hear their voice.
If you would like further information, the following organisations are available to offer help and support to the bereaved.
Support, help and advice
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people, and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides support and offers information, advice, education and training services.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400 (lines open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm)
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Cruse website: http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/
Young person's freephone helpline: 0808 808 1677
Email: info@rd4u.org.uk
RD4U website: http://www.rd4u.org.uk/
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is an international organisation of bereaved parents offering friendship and understanding to other bereaved parents. This includes the whole range of ages from babies to fully mature adults. The Compassionate friends is a non-religious registered charity.
Address: 53 North Street, Bristol BS3 1EN
Tel: 01773 9539639
Website: http://www.tcf.org.uk/
COPE Laura Centre
COPE Laura Centre is a registered charity based in Leicester that offers free, confidential counselling for families affected by the death of a child.
Address: The Laura Centre, 4 Tower Street, Leicester LE1 6WS
Tel: 0116 254 4341
Website: http://www.thelauracentre.org.uk/
SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society)
SANDS provides support for bereaved parents and their families when their baby dies at or soon after birth.
Address: 28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY
Tel: 020 7436 5881
Website: http://www.uk-sands.org/
Letters of condolence
Writing letters of condolence
For most people, writing letters of condolence to the bereaved is not a common experience, and so you may find yourself struggling to express your feelings. Click on the link below for example letters which you may find helpful.
Funeral music
As people's attitudes change to the type of funeral service they want, more and more people are choosing a service that reflects the person and the sort of life they led. It is increasingly common to incorporate favourite musical compositions, both classical and contemporary, as part of the remembrance of a loved one. Click below to view our suggestions of appropriate funeral music.
Meaningful words
If you find yourself struggling to express your feelings the link below will take you to a suggestions guide to help when composing verses for obituaries, floral tribute cards, inscriptions for a memorial, or anniversary of the death announcements.
Funeral protocol
This guide has been written to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about conventional protocol when attending a funeral.
