National Grief Awareness Week | Supporting loved ones through grief
As the festive period and celebrations begin, some families may be preparing for their first Christmas without their child. Psychotherapeutic Practice Manager Jennie tells us how Demelza offers support during challenging times and what everyone can do to be there for someone who is grieving.
When we’ve lost a loved one, the feeling of grief may consume us as if we have the weight of the world on our shoulders. At the heart of grief is love, which is why we feel loss so deeply when someone close dies.
Psychotherapeutic Practice Manager Jennie shares what this may feel like for someone who has lost a child. She said: “Initially after the loss of a child, it is just utter disbelief. Whether it’s expected or not, it can feel really raw and like they’re not living in the real world. Demelza is here to support the whole family at that time, not just the parents and carers. This could be grandparents, siblings, aunties and uncles - whoever that child loved and who loved that child, we will be there for them.”
We are here for families all year round and for as long as needed after they experience loss. Demelza has an array of bereavement support services for families - whether online, on the phone or in person. We are committed to being there for families through the most difficult of times.
Our memory-making sessions provide an opportunity for families to connect with others who may share similar experiences and take comfort in the fact they are not alone. Jennie said: “We offer hand and foot casting, memory boxes and can take prints using ink wipes that can then be used for jewellery, which is always really special. These opportunities are offered to every family at end of life or post bereavement, so they can keep the memory of their child alive at home forever.”
Understanding how to best support someone who is grieving, particularly after the loss of a child, can be challenging. In recognition of National Grief Awareness Week, we asked Jennie for one piece of advice on how everyone can offer their support. She said: “For the wider population I would say to be aware of grief. If you know somebody who’s had a bereavement, check in on them to see how they are doing. Maybe take them for a coffee and talk about their loved one. Lots of people find it difficult, particularly when it’s around the death of a child, but actually what families tell us is that they really want to hear their child’s name, to talk about them and to keep their memory alive.”
"What families tell us is that they really want to hear their child’s name, to talk about them and to keep their memory alive.”
