There is nothing like the death of a parent, friend, lover, family member to render the world seemingly dull, grey and devoid of meaning. Seemingly simple things seem to require a level of focus and concentration that seems utterly impossible. Just climbing from the bed; it could quite possibly be a mountain.

But amidst the inertia, the crippling fear of others dying, there are resources that can and will help. These are the sites to peruse for much needed relief:

BEREAVEMENT ADVICE CENTRE
www.bereavementadvice.org


This is the first place to go to try and make sense of the heart wrenching loss of a loved one. In the days following death there are a million things to think about; grief, legal issues, funeral arrangements and probate. This hugely helpful site offers resources in all areas.

GRIEF.NET
griefnet.org


This Internet portal links to over fifty online support groups, and two websites. Because it’s only through speaking to others that one can gain any semblance of there being a life beyond, where one will once again laugh, tell jokes, sit in the sun without feeling loss. Talking to others will help this become a reality.

CHILD BEREAVEMENT
www.childbereavement.org.uk


The very specific set of circumstances surrounding the death of a child cannot be underestimated. Resources to help abound at this charity, offering help from experienced professionals with phone support in the form of booked sessions; a comprehensive resource that is filled with a plethora of useful information.

COUNSELLING DIRECTORY
www.counselling-directory.org.uk/bereavement.html


This portal to a wide range of counseling services has a very useful page on the various stages of grief. Once you’ve absorbed the information you can then look for a counsellor in your area, with the specific experience you need.

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
www.cruse.org.uk


Another stand out charity, Cruse offers nurturing support to anyone who has lost someone close, whether it’s just a friendly ear on the phone or specific support for young people, there are branches all over the country manned by volunteers, ready and waiting to help you in your time of need. You can even support the charity via Interflora by using the code ‘cruse5’ at checkout.

GRIEF ENCOUNTER
www.griefencounter.org.uk


Another charity doing vital work, this time aimed specifically at children, Grief Encounter addresses the specific challenges of fear, anxiety, and the daily rigmarole of lives that are changed forever by the death of a loved one. Professional nurturing care is at its best.


August 2014