Tower and Town, February 2021

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The Bereavement Journey

Benjamin Franklin famously wrote that there is nothing certain in this world except death and taxes.

There are over 600,000 recorded deaths each year in the UK, and for each death it is estimated that up to twelve people are significantly impacted. It’s not just the loss of a loved one that can trigger the grief process. Redundancy, divorce, and any other significant loss can all lead to the emotions that we understand to constitute grieving.

There have been numerous theories and studies around grief, but most experts accept that there are a number of stages through which bereaved people travel during their bereavement, including shock, disbelief, anger, anxiety, and some or all are likely to be experienced. The way people move through these stages varies immensely, and it is certainly not a straight line where we move methodically from one stage to the next.

One of the most important factors in helping people to work through their grief is the support of other people. Having friends and relatives who are prepared to listen, as we share our stories and feelings, is a crucial part of the healing process.

And The Bereavement Journey can also be a huge help. This is a 5-session course exploring what it’s like to be bereaved, and is an easily accessible way to explore our personal grief. Each session covers a different aspect of bereavement and enables participants to explore their own thoughts and feelings and to hear from others who are going through the same thing. There is also an optional 6th session which looks at faith questions relating to loss.

St Mary’s Church in Marlborough ran its first course just before Christmas. The sessions were held over ZOOM, and the feedback has been really positive. It is planned to run further courses this year, so if you have experienced a loss and would like to explore your thoughts and feelings with others, contact Louise Seddon (the_seddons@btopenworld.co or 07917 248339) or Mark Whitehead.

Comments from those who attended:

“It was interesting to hear the stories from other members of the group.”

“The pre-recorded talks were excellent.”

“It was beneficial in addressing how someone’s death can affect people close to them, whether physically, mentally or practically, for example in changes to the roles we play.”