Hospice of the Valleys

The Family Support Team have specialist practitioners who are experienced in bereavement support.

We realise that the weeks and months after the loss of someone close can be very sad, confusing and difficult. You may feel overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings, as well as
the practical day to day demands. If you are trying to retain some control in a stressful situation you can feel very vulnerable.

Our team aim to support you in managing these competing pressures.

The Family Support Team can offer:

Support for adults and for children and young people within the family
Small groups, providing the opportunity for you to share feelings and experiences with others who are bereaved
Telephone support
Written information about the experience of bereavement
Advice and guidance about sources of help for support with financial worries and paperwork that can follow bereavement

What to do when someone dies leaflet

Bereavement Leaflet

For further information please contact our Family Support Team on 01495 717277

What about Children?

No child is too young to notice when an important person in their life is no longer there. Young children can be profoundly affected and not know how to express their feelings. Frequently, adults, knowing how painful bereavement can be, attempt to protect children by telling them little or nothing about what has happened. Children will sense something is wrong from the behaviour of those around them.

Children need clear, simple explanations and the reassurance that the death of one person does not mean that others will die. they need to know that they are still loved and will be taken care of, and they require as much security and routine in their lives as possible.

They need to know that crying is OK for adults and children but sadness does not last forever and it is OK to have fun too.

Our Family Support Team can provide support in this area. Please call 01495 717277 for further information.

We also provide a bereavement awareness programme to schools, businesses and organisations within Blaenau Gwent to educate and train staff.

Childhood Bereavement

It is estimated that 92% of young people experience some form of bereavement by the age of 16 in the UK.

The vast majority of children will cope with support from their family, friends and school community, but for those who are unable to be supported in this way, the Hospice bereavement team may be able to help.

Although grief is a normal life experience Western society tends to avoid talk about death and dying which can make some of us reluctant to talk about grief, particularly to children and young people. At the Hospice, specialist bereavement practitioners are on hand to provide support. Children cope and respond best when supported by those trusted adults in their life who know them best. We can support family members to find the words to talk to their children and offer reassurance. We offer consultancy and training to professionals to raise awareness of bereavement and grief in children and young people and how to support someone who is bereaved.

The Hospice can also offer individual support for those with more complex bereavement needs.