Bereavement service
Finding Meaning After Loss
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. We will support you to find a way forward that includes remembering the person who died in the way that you want.
A member of the Bereavement Support Team will contact you up to eight weeks after your bereavement either by telephone or letter.
At first you may not want support, but then later change your mind.
You can contact us anytime on 0208 343 6819 or nlhbereavement@northlondonhospice.co.uk
What we can offer
We have a variety of options of support available and the free service is currently offered to family and friends of people who were known to the North London Hospice.
Find out more about our bereavement services in our Finding Meaning After Loss leaflet.
Individual support
This is an opportunity to talk with a trained volunteer or staff member. Our bereavement support volunteers bring a variety of experience to the service. They are carefully selected and trained, learning about the impact bereavement can have on our lives.
Sessions are usually about an hour long, initially up to six sessions are offered, at a frequency to meet your needs and on-going support can be provided, if required.
You may wish to have a one-off session to talk about what has happened. You might find it helpful to talk with someone who isn’t part of your family or network of friends. One to one bereavement support gives you the opportunity to talk with someone who will be able to listen and help you think things through.
Group Sessions
Walk and Talk Groups
Our groups meet in a local park once a week, they are informal, friendly, well attended and welcome new members. Those who attend give excellent feedback. Many of the group members also choose to stay connected outside the walk and talk sessions and have been a great support to each other. The groups are facilitated by experienced volunteers.
If you would like to find out more please contact the bereavement team on 0208 343 6819 or nlhbereavement@northlondonhospice.co.uk
Ceremony of Remembrance
During these ceremonies, candle shines in memory of all those who died or have anniversaries around this time.
Feedback
People we have supported said:
1:1 telephone support
“Protected time to talk, away from busy life. Talked through thoughts and emotions with someone objective and insightful.”
“Wonderful to have a friendly listening ear.”
“The bereavement support I received was a great help, giving me time to talk, cry and express my deep sadness with someone I felt listened to me. I don’t think I would have had anyone else I could have spoken to in that way.”
Walk and Talk group
“I have found the walks very helpful and I’m extremely grateful to you for putting me in touch with the group.”
“I have found and made so many friends through this group it breaks down the isolation often felt when losing a loved one.”
“The volunteers have been terrific, always a calm reassuring presence.”
Feedback from a virtual bereavement café held during 2021 lockdown
“It was such a relief to ‘meet’ with others who have felt the same as I do, to share experiences and realise that I am not alone.”
Contact our bereavement service:
Email: nlhbereavement@northlondonhopsice.co.uk
Telephone: 0208 343 6819
