This week we are supporting and raising awareness of National Grief Awareness Week. The initiative is founded by The Good Grief Trust, and has a huge number of charities taking part, covering all aspects of bereavement.
The week aims to break taboos, break the silence and to get people talking about all types of bereavement, showcasing the vast array of support that is available across the country. There are lots of resources available and if you or someone you know needs support you can find out more here.
This year breaking the taboo will be even more important than ever as Covid-19 has sadly taken thousands of lives and altered the way we've been able to support one another and grieve, so for all bereavement charities to work together for one week and raise awareness of the incredible support that is available is vital.
At 5pm on Tuesday 8th December National Grief Awareness Week is holding a minute’s silence in memory of those who have died as a result of the global pandemic or under any other circumstances this year.
We spoke to Charlotte, founder of Freddie’s Wish – a bereavement charity set up to support anyone who has been affected by baby or child loss, in memory of her son Freddie who sadly died aged just 13 months. Charlotte has recorded a short video to offer some tips around supporting yourself after a loss.
At Myton we offer a counselling service for hospice patients and their families and friends. You can find out more here.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, here at The Myton Hospices we are changing the way we run our Light up a Life services.
This year, our service will be held virtually, and can be joined via a simple website link, on Sunday 13th December at 5pm. We are also opening up the virtual service to everyone across Coventry and Warwickshire that would like to dedicate a light in memory of someone they’ve lost. Please note the deadline to have your loved ones’ name appear in the printed programme has passed but there is still time for their name to appear on screen on the evening - the deadline for this is Friday 4th December. Find out more online here.
For Children’s Grief Awareness Week last month we launched a new resources page to help parents, carers and teachers support grieving children. We partnered with a range of organisations to provide videos and activities to encourage children to open up to their grief and help equip the adults alongside them. You can find out more here.
We hope that you will find some of these resources helpful and will talk to your family and friends about bereavement. If you feel you need additional support please don’t hesitate to contact us if you or a loved one has been cared for by Myton, or alternatively you can email hello@thegoodgrieftrust.org.