Bereavement support
The death of someone can affect people in unexpected ways. Grief is a natural reaction but can affect people emotionally and physically. How you respond to bereavement may vary according to your situation, background, beliefs, or a previous experience of loss.
There is no ‘normal’ way to grieve, no expected way to feel, or a set time to start feeling more like yourself again. It is important to allow yourself to grieve in your own way. Adapting and learning to cope when someone has died can be challenging. Relationships with other family members may change.
Below you can download our guide to bereavement services which provides more information on:
- Spiritual care
- Celebration of Life events
- Our Grief Cafe
- Group support
- Our Compassionate Neighbours programme
- Practical support
Our Bereavement Services
For families facing the impending loss of a loved one, we offer individual and group/family sessions. These create a safe space to explore difficult emotions, have honest conversations and develop coping strategies during this challenging time. Anticipatory grief support can be invaluable in preparing emotionally for what lies ahead. By acknowledging and processing feelings before the loss occurs, families often find they are better equipped to manage the intensity of grief afterward. This proactive approach can reduce feelings of shock and isolation, foster resilience and help individuals maintain a sense of connection and meaning throughout the journey.
We provide compassionate, tailored emotional support to families who have lost a loved one connected to our hospice. Support is offered in a way that meets individual needs, whether through face-to-face sessions at our Enfield (Monday – Thursday), or Barnet (Monday -Saturday) locations, by telephone or online.
Our volunteers play a vital role in delivering this support. Each volunteer undergoes comprehensive training to ensure they are equipped to provide sensitive, and empathetic, support. This training includes understanding the grieving process, active listening techniques and strategies to help individuals explore and process complex emotions. Volunteers work closely with our professional team to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Grief can feel overwhelming and isolating, often affecting emotional wellbeing, relationships and daily life. Having access to emotional support provides a safe space to express feelings without judgment, reduces feelings of loneliness and helps individuals develop coping strategies. It can also promote resilience, improve mental health and support adjustment to life after loss. Our aim is to ensure that no one has to navigate this difficult journey alone.
Available in Barnet and Enfield, are walks which provide an opportunity to spend time outdoors in the company of others who understand the challenges of bereavement. These sessions are specifically for families linked to the hospice, offering a gentle and supportive environment to connect, share experiences, and find comfort in nature while walking alongside others who truly understand.
Held at three locations across Barnet, Enfield and Haringey and are open to the wider community, these sessions offer a welcoming space to connect with others who have experienced loss, share feelings and find mutual support.
Contact us
You can contact us by telephone during working hours on 0800 368 7848 or email nlhbereavement@northlondonhospice.co.uk. Alternatively you may wish to download and complete our self-assessment form.