Grief is a universal experience, yet it remains one of the most difficult emotions to navigate. Losing a loved one can cause overwhelming sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, and confusion, making support from others essential. While grief is commonly associated with the death of a loved one, it can also arise from other significant losses such as the end of a relationship, losing a job or major life changes. In this blog we will dive deeper into the importance of grief, how you can support those grieving and bereavement resources available.
Why is grief awareness week important?
- Raising Awareness and education: It helps educate people on the impact of grief and how to offer meaningful support.
- Encourages open and honest conversations about grief.
- Provides support and resources: this week highlights the importance of seeking help and directs people towards support groups, counselling, and other resources.
- Reminds us that grief has no timeline: Everyone grieves differently and there’s no “right” way to mourn. This week emphasises that healing takes time and cannot be rushed.
How you can support someone who’s grieving.
- Check in regularly: even just a quick text or phone call can make a difference.
- Acknowledge their loss but avoid saying phrases such as “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason” as it feels dismissive and unhelpful.
- Listen without judgment.
- Offer practical help for example cooking meal, helping with errands, or assisting with daily tasks.
- As mentioned before everybody grieves differently, some may want to talk while others need space, it’s important that you respect their needs.
- Donate, fundraise or volunteer at bereavement charities so that can continue spreading awareness and support people going through grief.
Support and resources available for someone who is grieving:
- Cruse Bereavement Support offers free information, advice, counselling, and support groups.
- Citizens Advice have lots of information on wills, financial affairs, and funerals.
- The NHS has information regarding what symptoms you should expect while grieving.
- Marie Curie has a telephone bereavement support service.
- Sue Ryder has an online bereavement community where you can ask questions, get support from other bereaved people, share your story, and offer advice and support to others. It has information, advice, and self-help tools to help deal with grief. As well as an online counselling service via video and text message.
- AtaLoss has a free live chat with a bereavement counsellor.
In conclusion, national grief awareness week serves as a powerful reminder that grief is a shared human experience, and no one should have to navigate it alone. Whether you offer a listening ear, raise awareness, seek professional help, or donate/volunteer with bereavement charities every effort helps to make grief feel less isolating.
Support and resources for CAW students
As a student of The College of Animal Welfare, you get FREE access to a wide variety of resources and support via the togetherall app; there is a great short online course on how to cope with grief and loss. Togetherall also has forums so you can discuss any worries with others, and access trained counsellors 24/7. If you haven’t set up an account, you can do so FREE of charge with your CAW email address.
If you are struggling with your mental health or any aspect of college life, remember you can access up to six confidential counselling sessions free of charge: full details can be found here.