Coping with bereavement

Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things to happen in our lives. During times of grief, there is somebody you can talk to and organisations that offer a range of support.

How to cope with bereavement and grief

The following video below from an RDASH (Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust) bereavement counsellor talks through how to cope with grief.

Charities and organisations offering guidance, advice and support

Several local and national bereavement charities and organisations offer guidance, advice, and support to deal with bereavement during this pandemic, both the practical and psychological aspects.

Bereavement Peer Support Group

Facilitated by Be Well Health and Wellbeing Coaches, the Bereavement Peer Support Group welcomes anyone going through the loss of a loved one.

Free to attend on the second Tuesday of every month 10.15am – 11.45am at Bullcroft Memorial Hall, Carcroft, DN6 8AP

For more information and to check dates please see Peer Support (welldoncaster.uk) or contact BeWellDoncaster@doncaster.gov.uk

Aurora Bereavement Support

Aurora are offering emotional support to front line staff working (from any organisation, Doncaster Council, Doncaster & Bassettlaw Hospital, Supermarkets etc.), anyone with a long term condition (shielding) and those having to deal with a bereavement. They have 30 plus professional and experienced volunteers focusing on the preventative measures to help long term mental health issues, talking and supporting. This service is available in Doncaster and Mexborough only. Callers can access Aurora directly via the phone number and email available on their website aurorawellbeing.org.uk/contact 

Further support is also available from:

Have you been affected by suicide

Amparo, Survivors of Bereavement and Suicide (SOBS) and Listening Ear are working Together to Support people impacted by Suicide, whatever your situation support is available.

CALL 0330 088 9255 for:

  • Practical Support with Police, Coroners and the Media.
  • Coping with and overcoming feelings of isolation or being alone.
  • Building confidence and self esteem.
  • One to One support at a time and pace that suits you for as long as you need it.
  • Contact and connecting with local services that can help.

If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide and you would like to talk with one of the Survivors of Bereavement and Suicide (SOBS) volunteers about your experience, you can get in touch:

SOBS Helpline – 0300 111 5065 (open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday)

Supporting someone who is grieving

It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving but the charity Dying Matters have suggested these tips on how to support someone who is grieving:

  • it's better to do something than nothing - to acknowledge loss rather than ignore it
  • look for invitations to talk from the other person. If they start talking about the person who has died, encourage them, even if it seems to make them upset
  • be comforting when opening up the conversation rather than business-like
  • try and create an environment where the person has the freedom to talk or not talk, according to what they want. I'm around all day if you fancy a chat...

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Last updated: 08 February 2024 11:07:00

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