Grief Awareness Week 2022

It is Grief Awareness Week, and its focus is to break the taboo of us publicly speaking about the personal impact of grief. Bereavement, grief, and loss can impact us all in different ways. However, when support is not offered, it could lead to mental and physical health problems. If you are supporting a colleague, friend or loved one through this tumultuous period – here are some tips that can help.

Check in on them - The bereaved often hide their grief from others. Sometimes it is from their friends and family as they do not want to burden them. Sometimes it is from their colleagues at work. Please look out for them, check they are okay, in the early days and ongoing.  They may look alright, they may be going to work, but deep inside they could be struggling and just need your support and understanding.

Grief in the workplace - If you are suffering or know of a colleague who needs support, check to see if you can make use of workplace support. Ask your manager or HR if they offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). An EAP provides 24/7 access to trained advisors who can answer your concerns and give you actionable advice. Alternatively, you can schedule free sessions with a professional counsellor with the service. 

Resources to help – here are some helpful external resources which can help.

• Mind, the mental health charity has put together this in-depth help guide which provides information on bereavement and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
• The NHS has guidance on the symptoms and signposts what to do for extra support.
• Grief Encounter helps supporting bereaved children and young people.
• AtaLoss can help find you free or low-cost support in an area local to you.