What are bereavement groups?
Bereavement groups in the UK are support groups for people who have lost a loved one. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their loss. Bereavement groups can be led by trained professionals, such as counsellors or therapists, or by volunteers who have also experienced a loss.
Some groups are open to anyone who has experienced a loss, while others may be specific to certain types of loss, such as the loss of a child or a spouse. Some groups may be faith-based, while others may focus on a specific type of grief, such as complicated grief.
These groups can be a valuable resource for people who are struggling with grief, as they provide an opportunity to connect with others who understand what they are going through. They can also provide practical information and advice, as well as a sense of community and support. Bereavement groups may meet in person, online or via telephone, depending on the group and the COVID-19 situation.
Some organizations that provide bereavement support in the UK are:
- Cruse Bereavement Care
- The Samaritans
- The Good Grief Trust
- Grief Encounter
- The Compassionate Friends
- The Bereavement Trust
It’s important to note that grief is a personal and individual experience and what works for one person may not work for another. Bereavement groups can be a helpful way to cope with grief, but it’s not the only way and it’s not a replacement for professional help if needed.
What can I expect at a bereavement group?
When attending a bereavement group, one can expect to be in a safe and supportive environment where people who have experienced a loss can share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their loss. Here are a few things that one might experience when attending a bereavement group:
Sharing
Group members are encouraged to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their loss. This can be a powerful and healing process, as it allows people to feel heard and understood by others who have gone through similar experiences.
Listening
Group members are also encouraged to listen to others in the group, which can be an important part of the healing process. It can be comforting to hear that others have gone through similar experiences, and it can be validating to know that others understand what you’re going through.
Practical advice
Group leaders or facilitators may provide practical advice and information on coping with grief, such as how to manage emotions, deal with the practical aspects of loss, and how to find meaning in the aftermath of loss.
Education
Group leaders or facilitators may also provide education on the grieving process, such as the different stages of grief, and common feelings and reactions that people may experience.
Support
Group members can offer each other emotional support, empathy, and understanding. They can also provide each other with practical support, such as offering to help with errands or providing a listening ear.
Emphasis on confidentiality
Group members are asked to respect each other’s privacy and confidentiality, and what is shared in the group is not to be shared outside the group.
It’s important to note that grief is a personal and individual experience and what works for one person may not work for another. Bereavement groups can be a helpful way to cope with grief, but it’s not the only way and it’s not a replacement for professional help if needed. It’s also important to find the right group for you, as different groups may have different approaches and focus on different aspects of the grief process.
How much do bereavement groups cost?
The cost of bereavement groups can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the type of group, and the organisation running the group.
Some bereavement groups are offered free of charge, while others may require a small donation or have a suggested donation. Some organisations may charge a fee to cover expenses such as rent, materials, and facilitator’s time.
Some National organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Care and The Good Grief Trust may have a suggested donation of £5-£10 per session, while others may offer a sliding scale fee based on ability to pay, or maybe free of charge.
Online or telephone groups may also vary in cost, some groups may be free and others may have a small fee.
It’s important to check with the organisation running the group for the cost and the payment options available. If the cost is a concern, it’s also important to ask if there are any scholarships, subsidies or reduced fee options available. Remember that the most important thing is getting the support you need, and if the cost is a barrier, there are many other options such as online support groups or talking to a therapist.
How long should I plan to attend a bereavement group?
The length of time that a person should attend a bereavement group can vary depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Some people may find that they need to attend a group for a longer period of time, while others may only need to attend for a shorter period.
It’s important to note that grief is a personal and individual experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people may find that they need to attend a group for several months or even a year, while others may find that they need less time. It’s important to listen to your own needs and to do what feels right for you.
It’s also important to consider how the group is helping you cope with your grief. If you feel like the group is no longer providing support or if you feel like you have reached a point where you no longer need the group, it’s okay to stop attending.
It’s also important to consider the group’s duration and schedule, some groups meet for a few weeks, others for a few months, and some groups can be ongoing. It’s important to check with the group facilitator how long the group will be meeting for, and if the group is ending, to ask if there are other options available for you to continue your support.
It’s important to keep in mind that grief is a process that takes time, and even when you no longer feel the need to attend a bereavement group, you may still need other forms of support like talking to a therapist or joining other online or phone support groups.
Where can I go to find out more about bereavement groups?
You can find more information about bereavement groups by contacting local hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, and counselling centres, as well as national organisations that specialize in grief and bereavement support such as Cruse Bereavement Care and The Good Grief Trust. They usually have a list of bereavement groups and support groups in your area or can give you information on how to start one.
You can also find information about bereavement groups by searching online. Many organisations and support groups have websites that provide information on their services and how to contact them.
Another source of information is our Memorial Story website, where you can find a list of bereavement groups and organisations that provide support and resources for people who have lost a loved one. You can visit our website (www.unforgettablememorials.com) and navigate to the “resources” section where you can find a list of bereavement groups and organisations by location, type of loss, and type of support offered.
It’s important to keep in mind that grief is a personal and individual experience and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find the right group for you and to reach out for professional help if needed.