From the 2nd to the 6th May, we will be focusing on talking about death, dying and bereavement and how we can support you.

The aim of Dying Matters Awareness Week Week  is to raise awareness of the importance of talking about death, dying and bereavement. Starting conversations about dying and bereavement is often not as hard as you might think.

Every year, people around the country use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a moment to encourage all communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them.

We know that the death of someone can feel overwhelming and that you will feel a mixture of emotions. There are somethings that may help you to cope with your loss or may help if you are supporting someone who grieving and bereaved.

We are launching a new ‘Taking Care Through Grief’ meeting. This informal meeting is for anyone who is grieving the loss of someone who died through cancer or other life limiting illness, or for someone who wants to support a person who is grieving.

We are inviting people to come along and have a cup of coffee with others who have a similar experience; meeting other people with a similar experience can be particularly helpful.

Karen Pirt, Senior Family and Bereavement Support worker will be hosting the sessions, along with trained volunteers. Karen said, ‘People who are bereaved can feel overwhelmed by their grief and that coping with their intense loss is a daily if not hourly struggle. Hospice at Home West Cumbria is here to help. We want to give people the opportunity to understand more about grief, learn ways of coping and the importance of taking care of themselves whilst grieving. We also want to help those who want to support well as how best to support someone who is bereaved.”

If you would like to attend the ‘Taking Care Through Grief’ meeting or find out more about other HHWC bereavement support, then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01900 705200 or email us at info@hhwc.org.uk