National Grief Awareness Week

National Grief Awareness Week is taking place 2 to 8 December 2024.

National Grief Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of grief, and to help to normalise conversations around it.

This year the The Good Grief Trust has chosen the theme 'Shine a Light'. The theme aims to highlight the people, places and projects across the UK supporting people who are experiencing a bereavement. The Good Grief Trust offers help and support to people in the UK who have been affected by grief. 

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.

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 continue to be overwhelmed by your feelings, it is important to get the right help and support. You should talk to your GP or another health or social care professional.