Grieving North East Families Told To Not Suffer In Silence

New research claims more than a third of people dealing with bereavement are not coming forward to talk about it.

Alex Hooks from Hartlepool, lost his friend Robbie Smith last year at just 19. (Pictured: Robbie Smith, Photo by Amber Ryan)

The young musician and artist died in his bedroom at his home in March 2014.

Alex has now helped set up 'SmithFest' in his memory - and tells TFM it's been a way to come to terms with his death.

"It's a difficult thing to come to terms with, but I think SmithFest is actually helping alot of his family and friends realise that his memory will still be around no matter what happens"

Sue Ryder, the national Hospice and neurological care charity have released the ground breaking research it shows it takes those from North East two years, seven months and 14 days to feel better following a bereavement; which is longer than the national average of two years one month and four days.

The research also shows that sharing experiences of bereavement has a positive impact on how long it takes people to feel better.

You can find out more about the festival in memory of Robbie here