Death and bereavement are inevitable parts of our lives and yet they are rarely talked about. The unpredictability of life means we can never be sure how soon or how often we will face the challenge of this major life event. The death of someone close to us is probably the most severe loss we will ever have to cope with and can affect us in many ways.
This Loss and Bereavement Training Video delivered by Wendy Hodsdon may help you to understand your feelings of loss.
Support for you
Employee Assistance
Our Employee Assistance Programme, We-Care from Canada Life provides confidential support with any bereavement and probate concerns. You can reach them on 0208 068 0035 Or log in and register your account here: wecare-cl.com or download the App. Access code: H30174.
Offers a national signposting service to help bereaved people find local, specialist and
national support.
Bamestream bereavement support service Bereavement support for colleagues who are Black, Asian or other minority ethnic.
Child Bereavement UK Helping children, young people, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
Cruse Support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Dying Matters Working to create an open culture that talks about death, dying and bereavement.
MIND provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
The Good Grief Trust Everyone at The Good Grief Trust has lost someone they love, so they want to help you find the support you need as quickly as possible.
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
Don’t forget our Pastoral Care Team are on hand to support you too.
Further information surrounding bereavement can be found on our End of Life Care Forum
You may also find this guide on Self compassion by Sarah Nearney helpful.
Supporting others
What can we I do to support a colleague who has been bereaved?
The anniversary of the death/birth/birthday of a loved one can be just as poignant 10 year on as it is in the early days of losing them. Acknowledging these important times can make such a difference in supporting individuals who have lost someone special.
And of course knowing how to start a difficult conversation and then handle it sensitively, attentively, repectfully and mindfully can really help someone to open up.
These Talking Points flashcards are a great resource.
And here our very own Deirdre Brunton shares some tender words about supporting colleagues at work when it comes to bereavement, loss and grief.
Interview for DMAW-20230426_105425-Meeting Recording.mp4
We have also produced this Bereavement guide for colleagues and managers.
Books and other media
What to do when someone dies
Paul Harris
Death and Bereavement Across Cultures: Second edition
Colin Murray Parkes
The Empty Bed: Bereavement and the Loss of Love
Susan Wallbank
What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?
Trevor Romain
The Bereaved Parent
Harriet Sarnoff Schiff
Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love
Earl A Grollman