Bereavement Support Service

Grief is individual and each of us reacts to it differently. No-one can completely understand what another person's grief is like, but it is an experience most of us go through and there are people willing to listen and understand as much as they can. If you have feelings of guilt, panic, anger, fear or self-pity, do not try to hide them; they are part of your grief. Try to share them with an understanding listener.

If friends seem to be avoiding you, it is possible they are embarrassed because they feel helpless to say or do the 'right' thing. They too may be grieving.

Allow yourself to express your feelings - good and not so good - with someone you trust. Allow yourself to cry, to laugh, to be angry. You have lost someone you feel deeply about and it hurts - allow yourself to experience the pain so that you may work through it.

If you feel that it would be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings and experiences, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. The Hospice Bereavement Service offers you the opportunity to meet with a counsellor.

• Grief is not a thing that we can go round - we have to go through it!
• It is the aim of the Bereavement Service to help you with this difficult task

Balloons of Eternity

The Balloons of Eternity Event is a remembrance service for families and friends who have lost a loved one to a life-limiting illness over the last 6 months.

The event consists of readings and songs from the Salvation Army Songsters, followed by the releasing of balloons in memory of the loved one that has passed away.

Families and friends are then invited to stay for refreshments and this gives them the opportunity to talk to others and share their feelings and memories.

“The day was very emotional, but at the same time very comforting – a day I will never forget.” Jean – attended Balloons of Eternity, June 2007

For more information contact:

Helpdesk: 01302 - 796853