Advice & Bereavement Support

Most people expect to be very upset or distressed when someone close to them has died. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last. People around you may seem to think you should be ‘back to normal’ after a few weeks or months. You might appear to be your usual self to other people, but you know that on the inside, you’re not even sure what normal is anymore.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them and their relationship with the person who has died. Well-intentioned people may say to you, ‘Time is a great healer.’ Sometimes, however, it can seem that life is more difficult as the weeks and months go by. We know that no-one can understand exactly what your loss feels like to you. But we do understand that it’s sometimes easier to talk to someone outside of your friends and family about grief and the impact of bereavement of your life and this is why we offer the GriefChat service.

GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the GriefChat box below, you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need.

GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm (except Bank Holidays).

GriefChat provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral into other specialist bereavement services.

When a death occurs at home

1. Contact your local doctor
2. Call Chalcraft Funeral Directors at any time of the day or night for immediate help and assistance

When a death occurs in hospital

1. Call Chalcraft Funeral Directors on 01903 812656 for immediate help and assistance.

When a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly

1. This may involve the police or a coroner
2. Call Chalcraft Funeral Directors who will liaise with the appropriate authority and give all the assistance that you require.

The death of someone you love or know can be a devastating experience, which can bring on stronger emotions than you have ever felt before.

In cases where the death was expected there can still be a sense of shock associated with the actual death. You may feel cold, numb, empty and unreal for a while. Following this, you may experience such emotions as anger, panic, guilt and ineffable sadness. This may also be accompanied by periods of restlessness, especially at night when it is difficult to sleep. You may also react by becoming irritable or critical of yourself and others, sometimes leading to feelings of despair. All these are natural reactions to bereavement and are not a sign that you are unable to cope.

During this time, you may need the support of others. Don’t be afraid to speak about your feelings to someone. Sometimes friends and or relatives find it difficult to talk about the death in case they upset you further. It may be necessary for you to broach the subject first. You might also want to seek the support of a minister, priest or grief counselor. Grief is a healthy, normal process and all of us may react differently. What is important is that you allow yourself to grieve and come to terms with your loss.