Norfolk charity urges us to open up about grief
National Grief Awareness Week runs until 8 December
The theme of this year's National Grief Awareness Week is 'Share Your Story' and Norfolk-based charity, Take Our Hand, is encouraging people to do just that.
As part of the week the charity is aiming to raise the profile of speaking about grief and removing the stigma associated with it, by sitting down with someone who has lost a loved one to talk over a cup of tea.
Take Our Hand was founded by Alex Gough, who lost her boyfriend suddenly to epilepsy in 2011 when they were both aged 19, and the charity became registered in 2018.
Alex said this year it's even more important to check in on people:
"Many of us are isolated, funerals and things like that are all being dealt with very differently to how they have previously been dealt with. So, somebody grieving could be a lot more isolated than they would be in normal situations.
"Things like a funeral give you that kind of closure, even being in situations in hospitals where you can say good-bye to those loved ones haven't been able to happen this year, and I think it has had a major impacted on how we process our grief."
Alex said it's common for people to try and avoid conversations about grief, but explained a simple "I am here" can go a long way for people who are struggling.
She continued:
"We don't want to upset or offend people, or say the wrong thing, and actually those that are grieving are already upset and what you say isn't going to be the cause of their sadness. Occasionally, you might say they wrong thing but its better to say something than nothing at all."
Take Our Hand also offers care packages to those who are bereaved, which include items such as memory jars, journals and treats.
To find out what support is available, visit the charity's website.