National Grief Week

Losing a loved one is never easy but during the last year due to the Covid Pandemic many who have lost family members or friends have endured prolonged anguish and grief due to isolation caused by social distancing. Whilst people deal with grief in different ways, most look for someone to confide but due to the “stay at home” orders this has meant something as simple as a hug or shoulder to cry on has been almost impossible.

A study undertaken by Bristol University in June of this year found that 74% of bereaved people who had lost someone either due to Covid or during the pandemic were not accessing formal bereavement services. This high number could be owed to many of the bereaved not knowing that a number of bereavement services had been moved online during the pandemic and instead thought they had ceased all together during lockdown. Talking about trauma either online or in person can help people come to terms with their loss and this is what the Good Grief Trust are trying to promote.

The 2^nd December 2021 marks the National Grief Week in which the Good Grief Trust and their partner charities are wanting people to explore the taboo topic of grief. The Trust already helps thousands of bereaved people every year by helping them “acknowledge their grief, provide reassurance, offer a virtual hand of friendship and supply ongoing support”. The idea is to get as many people talking to their friends, family, work colleagues etc. about the pain and suffering that surrounds losing someone close to you. Their hope is these chats can take place over a cup of coffee, during a walk in the park or even in the work place. They believe that sharing stories with others about losing people close to you can help others understand grief better, how to deal with it in the future and help everyone feel more relaxed to express feelings and emotions.

As well as doing your own bit for National Grief Week, there are several organised events taking place throughout Yorkshire which is hoped will bring more people together to discuss this hard topic.

Details of these can be found on the website here.

Here at Ramsdens, we will be doing all we can to support this amazing cause. If you or someone you know has lost someone recently and need help dealing with the grief of administrating the estate of the deceased, please contact our friendly and experienced Private Client team on 01484 821 500 or email willsandprobate@ramsdens.co.uk