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Grief Awareness Week, observed annually from 2 December to 8 December, offers a crucial opportunity to discuss and reflect on the emotional, physical, and social impact of bereavement. Spearheaded by the Good Grief Trust, the week aims to break the stigma surrounding grief, promote open conversations, and ensure those mourning the loss of loved ones feel understood and supported. In Brighton and Hove, a compassionate and vibrant community ensures residents have access to the help they need during challenging times.

The Importance of Grief Awareness

Grieving is a deeply personal journey that can manifest in various forms—sadness, confusion, anger, or even numbness. National Grief Awareness Week emphasizes that grief is not a linear process and that support systems, both formal and informal, are essential for healing. By fostering understanding, the initiative hopes to reduce isolation often felt by those in mourning and create a society more attuned to the needs of the bereaved.

Support available

Brighton and Hove offer a wide range of grief support resources. From counselling services to community groups, these avenues provide solace to those coping with loss.

1. The Martlets Hospice: This local charity provides comprehensive bereavement support for individuals and families. Their grief counselling and support groups are open to anyone who has lost a loved one, regardless of whether they were under Martlets' care.
2. Sussex Bereavement Centre: Located nearby, this centre offers therapy and support to people experiencing loss. Their trained counsellors specialize in helping individuals navigate complex emotions and develop coping strategies.
3. Grassroots Brighton: Known for its mental health initiatives, Grassroots offers workshops and resources aimed at equipping individuals with tools to support others facing grief.
4. Faith and Community Groups: Religious and cultural organizations in Brighton and Hove also play a significant role in providing comfort to bereaved individuals. Many host memorial events, spiritual counselling, and peer support groups.
5. Good Grief Pop-Up Cafés: These informal gatherings create a safe space for people to share experiences, exchange coping mechanisms, and find companionship in Brighton’s warm and welcoming cafes.
6. There are particular support needs when someone is bereaved by suicide. Help is at hand has a wealth of information for people who have been impacted by suicide or another unexplained death.
7. Togetherall: This is a free and 24/7 resource to anyone with a Sussex email address. It offers a course called “coping with grief and loss” which may be a source of support.

Sussex staff can also access the Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of services including access to highly qualified counsellors by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and SMS, or you can even request a call back 24/7, 365 days a year.