The purpose of Grief Shared is to support each other when bereaved. This comes straight after the funeral with practical, sensitive friendship: helping the person to deal with initial practical chores. Then within next 2 year slot, encouraging independence, a feeling of continuous love and friendship through life - embracing the past and stepping forward as one built by the past and strengthened by it, ready to face the present.
The style is ‘Walking alongside’ allowing healing to happen and not trying to ‘fix things’.
Grief is personal. we do not understand another's grief, but there are distinct similarities in the processes of grief and also what we can do to help.
Never be afraid of the person's need for being quiet or alone. We cannot ever be totally responsible for another person or their thoughts or actions, but we can offer them time to spend alone when they need it, and encourage them to spend time with us or others as part of the 'holding hands' or 'walking together' through grief process.
Balance is the key to every individual's good health, including those who are helping out. So be sure that you take care of your own needs too or as a mere human being, you can burn out.
If you are supporting someone who is bereaved the following pages have some suggestions for conversation starters/activities; bring and share, talk about in turns, whether one to one, or in a group session.
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Click the arrow above to find activities for 'Things to do together'.