Bereavement Support at Christmas

A word from Rosedale Bereavement Support…

I can’t believe Christmas is almost upon us again! I’m sure that the older I get, the quicker time seems to fly.

For many, Christmas can’t come soon enough. For others, it can be a very stressful time of year. Difficulties within families can be magnified and those already struggling financially may feel that the burden becomes heavier.

For those who are bereaved, Christmas can be yet another painful reminder of all that has been lost. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timescale for grief. Whether our loss was recent or years ago, grief can still surge on special days. Grief expert Dr Bill Webster calls this a ‘temporary upsurge of grief’. Sometimes it can be triggered by hearing a particular song that reminds us of our loved one or carrying out a family tradition. Often there seems to be no reason at all for these surges, they can hit us at the most unexpected moments and fill us with sadness.

Christmas can be a time when we experience these upsurges of grief. It is important to be kind to yourself, there is no rule book. Ignore pressure from others and do what you feel you can manage.

At Rosedale, we offer ongoing monthly friendship groups to all who have completed our eight week Bereavement Support Group. At this time of year, they are busy organising their annual Christmas get-togethers. Though each person in this group is bereaved (some recently, others many years ago) there is a still a desire to come together, share a meal and celebrate the season.

It is an important reminder that grief and new life co-exist.

We can be grieving yet also allow ourselves to experience enjoyment without feeling guilty.
Everyone, no matter our circumstances, has a need for community, joy and celebration. There is much comfort and hope to be found in knowing that we are not alone and that the present and future can hold happy times.

Every year, Rosedale offers a complimentary Christmas candle to anyone who is bereaved. At 11.00am on Christmas morning, we invite the collective lighting of the candles and time to pause and think about our loved ones. It can be comforting to know that we are not alone in our grief.

Rosedale also extends a warm welcome to all (no matter how long ago the bereavement or which funeral director was used), to our Christmas Services of Remembrance happening throughout December in Norfolk and Suffolk. These services provide another opportunity to come together, pause and remember our loved ones at this special time of year.

If you would like some help with your bereavement, details of our upcoming Bereavement Support Groups can also be found on our website. They are free and are open to everyone. These groups begin again in January and take place throughout the year at locations across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Call 07901 888 122 to reserve your place.