Grief Support: Bereavement counselling

Reaching out for help during times of loss and grief can sometimes feel intimidating and overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering where to look or who to turn to, however, it’s important to remember that you do not have to go through this alone and many people are willing to help you during this time.

There are various resources and support out there to help you through this process, from free bereavement counselling to online resources to help with looking after your well-being. Here at Heart of England, we are here to help make you aware of what’s available to you so you can find something that will support your needs.

What support is available for someone who is grieving?

We all experience grief in different ways, whether it manifests through shock, anger, fear, guilt or even physical feelings such as nausea and not being able to sleep. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or to overcome grief either. While some may find talking with friends and family helpful, others may find that they would prefer to share their feelings with someone they don’t know such as a counsellor or therapist

To help you find something that will fully support your needs during this difficult time we have included a list below of all the support and resources available to you.

Bereavement counselling

One of the most used support systems for grieving – bereavement counselling is support from a qualified and trained professional who can help you talk through your thoughts and feelings during grief. While no two people will deal with grief the same, some people might find that they are struggling to cope, which is very normal while others may initially feel like they can manage their feelings – this is where bereavement support and counselling can help you.

Counsellors are available for you to talk about the person who has died, how their death is affecting you and how you are coping. They will help you understand your feelings and can also help you adapt to your life without your loved one, offering a variety of coping strategies and advice.

Where can I get bereavement counselling?

Bereavement counselling is available both online and in person, so you can pick which one suits you the best. You can go to your local GP to talk about receiving bereavement support or you can look up support online if you don’t feel ready to talk about it face to face.

There are many charities and organisations that provide bereavement support and counselling, and a lot of these may approach bereavement counselling in different ways, so don’t be afraid to try a few different options to see what’s best for you. A few charities that offer bereavement support include:

Mind
Samaritans
Child Bereavement UK
The Compassionate Friends

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 so you can find something to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Here at Heart of England we also offer bereavement support and have professional bereavement counsellors who are here to help you through this process. With just one click of a button, our friendly counsellors are available between 9 am and 9 pm, Monday to Friday, every week to offer you support and answer any questions you may have.

Online resources to help with grief

Grief can have a huge impact on every part of our lives, it can affect both our physical and mental well-being, making it harder to do the things we normally do to take care of ourselves. If talking to someone about your grief feels too intimidating or you don’t feel like it’s what you need right now then there are other online resources available for free to support you and your well-being without the added pressure of opening up to someone if you’re not quite ready for it.

Online support groups

Connect with people who are going through similar situations through social media and group forums. You can find many bereavement communities online, for example, the Sue Ryder online support group, that will be able to offer extra support and an understanding community.

Free mental health audios

A lot of people may think that if you need help sorting through your emotions and feelings that therapy is the only option, however, this isn’t the case. If you need some extra support when dealing with grief but aren’t ready to take the step into doing therapy then you can use free mental health audios from the NHS. These can help to guide you through everything from low moods to anxiety so you can take your time opening up to others while still caring for your well-being with the help of professionals.

Help with improving your sleep

Not sleeping can have a big impact on how you are feeling but if you’re grieving you might find it hard to drift off. In order to make sure that you’re resting your mind and body try to do some relaxation exercises before bed. If you find yourself having trouble sleeping there are plenty of online resources including the NHS sleep problems help page to guide you through to better sleep.

Understand your triggers

It’s normal for certain things to trigger certain emotions and taking note of what they are can help you to avoid certain situations and cope with them better when they do happen. You can keep track on a regular pen or paper of what your triggers may be or you can find online diaries or apps for this as well.

Other ways to find support

If you still find yourself looking for grief support that will cater to your needs and don’t find yourself interested in any of the above, don’t worry. There are still other ways you can seek support both in person or online if counselling doesn’t appeal to you.

Speak to your GP

Your GP can offer advice and guidance on where to look for help and can refer you to further support. They will talk with you about what’s available and will help you find something that will cater to your needs both practically and emotionally.

Employment

See if your place of work or school offers any extra support and guidance. Schools especially have dedicated school counsellors or people trained in supporting mental health if you need to talk to someone during work hours.

Local libraries and community centres

Local community centres and libraries may have more information about local bereavement support both in person and online. You may find flyers and leaflets for local support groups and libraries especially may have books on dealing with grief and loss if you want support but aren’t yet ready to speak to anyone about it.

Get more grief support with Heart of England

Here at Heart of England, we offer a free, supportive and caring service run by professional counsellors to help guide you through this difficult time. If you’re interested in learning more about bereavement counselling and contacting our professionals for support, whether for you or a loved one, you can read through our bereavement support page for more guidance.