An older woman is sat on a sofa and is looking down at a photo she is holding. She has one arm propped up on her leg and is holding her face. She appears sad.

National Grief Awareness Week

National Grief Awareness Week is a UK campaign happening from 2 to 8 December 2026. It aims to raise awareness of the support available for people experiencing grief and bereavement. 

Information on bereavement and loss

What is National Grief Awareness Week?

Founded in 2014 by The Good Grief Trust, National Grief Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of grief, and to help to normalise conversations around it.

It takes place on Tuesday 2 December to Monday 8 December 2025. It is marked on the same dates each year regardless of the day of the week.

The theme for 2025 is 'Growing with Grief'. The aim is to highlight how grief is an ending in many ways, but can also be the beginning of something new. The growth people may experience from grief doesn't erase the pain, but can help people to become more present, compassionate and aware of what matters in life.

Grief affects people in different ways. If your partner, relative or friend has died, you may find it hard to cope with your emotions and the practical things you have to do. We have information and support to help.

Discover what emotional support is available

What is grief?

Grief is a word for some of the feelings you may have after the death of someone close to you. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people describe being overcome or frightened by their feelings, others say they feel numb.

The thoughts and feelings you have will vary. Sometimes, they may be very intense and stop you doing things. At other times, they may be in the background and you can still do your day-to-day activities.

How you feel and react may depend on different things, such as:

  • the relationship you had with the person who died
  • if the death was expected
  • how they died
  • any previous experience of death you have had.

Your feelings may change day-to-day or even hour to hour. It is quite normal to have ups and downs. 

We have more information and support on our coping with bereavement hub including support with grief.

If you are finding things difficult, it is important to get support. You can talk to your GP. Or you can find a local bereavement service through organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support or a local Maggie’s centre. You can also call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 to discuss ways to get counselling, open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

A garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024

Macmillan Memories

Macmillan Memories offers an online space for remembrance and reflection. You can leave a dedication in memory of someone special to you.

Leave a dedication

Where can I get support for bereavement and grief?

Related resources

Booklets
 01 Oct 2023
After someone dies: coping with bereavement
This booklet is about coping when someone you care about has died. It is for the relatives and friends of someone who has died of cancer. It is for the relatives and friends of someone who has died of cancer.
Booklets
 01 Oct 2023
Preparing a child for loss
This information is for parents or guardians who are near the end of life. It aims to help you prepare and talk to a child or children about your death.
Booklets
 01 Oct 2023
Your feelings when someone dies and what can help - easy read
This easy read booklet is about grief and loss when someone dies.

Your experiences

Shakaila is standing outside in the middle of paved road in a residential area. She is wearing a long blue coat, a white scarf and a white dress. She has long hair.

Shakaila

Shakaila’s sister, Janelle, died from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She shares her thoughts on the grieving process.

“Afterwards, our family sprang into action, probably because we were in denial. We worked out how to deal with Janelle’s children, sort out school runs and try to fill in her shoes. I felt like I was in this weird place, trying to support my mum who has lost a child, and obviously trying to help my niece and nephew who had lost a mother, so I’m in this place in-between. Sometimes I feel with sibling loss, it’s not seen as significant, which is why I want to raise this conversation for others. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my sister.”

Simon giving a thumbs up off of the bike on the pavement

Simon

Simon was inspired to take up cycling challenges in honour of his Aunty - Reverend Ruth Scott - who dies from a rare form of cancer, T-cell lymphoma.

“We were very close. She was my second mum in many ways and she was an incredible lady. She was a vicar and a clown (like at the circus not just in general!). She did daft things on a bike. She rode from Rome to Jerusalem with very little training, it took her three weeks across several mountain ranges and 2,500 miles. She had the strength of character that, even if her body was broken, her strength of mind would see her complete it. She got over the mountains when more experienced cyclists didn’t.”

How you can help Macmillan Cancer Support

Lots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the backgroundLots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the background
Campaign with us
Join our campaigns to make a positive difference. Join over 25,000 people across the UK, who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
A man standing on a running track, proudly holds out the Macmillan logo on his running top to show he's running for Macmillan Cancer Support.A man standing on a running track, proudly holds out the Macmillan logo on his running top to show he's running for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Fundraise
There are many different ways you can raise money for Macmillan. We have lots of charity fundraiser ideas to help inspire you.
Diane poses for a close up picture in her home office. She has short hair and wears a grey top.Diane poses for a close up picture in her home office. She has short hair and wears a grey top.
Share your story
If you've been affected by cancer, we want to hear about your experience. Your story can help us achieve change. Get involved in a variety of projects and events.
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Volunteer
Make a real difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. We have volunteering roles to suit you, wherever your skills lie and however much times you can give.
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