International Grief Awareness Week

National Grief Awareness Week (2 to 8 December 2024) is an annual event that aims to create a safe place for individuals to openly discuss their experiences with grief and loss.  

The week encourages empathy, compassion, and support for those who are grieving, emphasising that grief is a universal and often challenging part of people's lives. 

Cruse Bereavement has delivered online sessions on how to deal with grief, and can be found below:

• Understanding Bereavement Webinar
• Tips to Support A Grieving Colleague   

There is additional support both internally and externally for those suffering from grief:  

• The Bereaved NI website provides a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement. The website information relates to palliative care, pregnancy and baby loss, resources for children and young children, information for people who have been bereaved by suicide and those who have suffered a sudden or traumatic loss, as well as practical support including financial and legal advice. 
• Inspire Wellbeing offers confidential bereavement counselling services with a 24-hour telephone number: 0808 800 0002 or check out the website (use username SERCSTAFF). 
• UK Healthcare offers telephone support for bereavement assistance and have qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress, they also have a team of legal advisors to help with legal Issues. Telephone 0800 107 6585, quote UK Healthcare and use reference number 72740 to access. 
• College Support with Mental Health First Aiders