Bereavement Support
Everyone’s experiences with grief are different, there is no right or wrong way to go through the grieving process after losing a loved one. We understand that during this difficult time, you may require practical or emotional support from a professional to help you navigate through the stages of grief at your own pace, in your own way.
Here at Heart of England, we offer a supportive and caring service in which you can chat online with a trained, professional counsellor for free. Just one click will take you through to our friendly counsellor, who is available between 9 am and 9 pm, Monday to Friday every week to offer you support and answer any questions you may have.
What support is there for bereavement?
If you would like to speak to someone about your feelings during the bereavement process, our funeral colleagues are here to listen to your worries and help guide you towards support services that can help you come to terms with the loss, while protecting your own well-being. If you’re in a position where you have no close friends or family to rely on for support, or you feel like you may require specialised help in addition to the kindness from those you have around you, many local charities and support groups in your community can help.
Charities such as Mind, Samaritans, Child Bereavement UK and The Compassionate Friends are here to help you through the bereavement process if you’re struggling and need extra support from professionals. These charities offer a variety of grief support including face-to-face, telephone and online support sessions, both one-on-one with a professional or in a group support session. It’s important to remember that you do not have to go through this alone and that many people are willing to help you during this time.
Our professional and sympathetic funeral colleagues are also on hand to support you through every step of the practical side of the bereavement process. We understand that arranging a funeral can be overwhelming whilst you are grieving, therefore our team is here every step of the way to help in any way you require.
To ease some of the pressure during the bereavement process, our team has also partnered with Life Ledger which offers a free, easy-to-use service that allows families to inform all of the businesses connected to the deceased from one place, in addition to the ‘Tell Us Once’ service offered by the Government.
How soon should you start bereavement counselling?
There is no set time for when you should start bereavement counselling as everyone processes grief at a different pace. You may feel ready to start counselling shortly after the loss or you may wish to process your emotions privately for some time before reaching out to a professional. Bereavement counselling is available at any point following a death.
Many people find that they can cope with grief better in the immediate weeks following the death, as they are occupied with tasks such as organising the belongings of the deceased and arranging the funeral. It can often be in the months and years after the death, once all practical matters have been dealt with, that people may feel the need to turn to bereavement counselling.
There is also the option for pre-bereavement counselling which can be useful for those who are facing the expected death of a loved one. Particularly helpful for families and friends of those who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses, or who are reaching the end of their life, this service is designed to help you adjust to the idea of loss and help you cope when the time comes.
Why wait six months for bereavement counselling?
All bereavement counsellors are available to speak to at any length of time following a death, although, typically, most don’t expect to see clients until six months have passed, however, this can differ depending on the individual circumstances. Although this time frame is not set in stone, it is recommended that you allow the natural grieving process to take place during this period and reach out to your natural support system before seeking professional help.
Something to be aware of is that, if you choose to reach out to a professional straight away, some friends and family may withdraw from offering support as they believe you are getting the help needed from a counsellor. However, this may result in not having a natural support system following your counselling as they may feel they have been unhelpful. Therefore, we would recommend reaching out to friends and family first and making them aware of your needs, both current and ongoing, before contacting a counsellor.
Get bereavement support here at Heart of England Co-op Funerals
If you have any questions regarding bereavement support, get in touch with us today either online or by phone to find the support you need. Alternatively, if you are looking for help in arranging a funeral, our team is available to speak to 24/7 when you call us on 0800 652 7226 or visit your nearest local funeral home.