In recognition of the inaugural National Day of Reflection on 23 March, we would like to our show support and say thank you to all our staff and customers for all they have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Day of Reflection has been launched by the Marie Curie charity to recognise the anniversary of the first UK lockdown and provide the nation with an opportunity to reflect on their collective loss, support those who have been bereaved and to provide hope for a brighter future.
We understand that for many, 23rd March will be a very difficult day and we will be supporting and encouraging all our staff members and customers to time take to reflect on the past 12 months. In our services, as well as having the opportunity to take part in the one-minute silence, staff and residents will come together to share experiences of the past year and to plant seeds to symbolize hope for the future.
“It has been an extremely challenging year for everyone across the UK and around the world. With 23 March marking a full year since our first lockdown began, we acknowledge this may be a very difficult day for some of our staff members, residents and customers and would encourage them to take some time for themselves to reflect, think and talk, to help them look positively to the year ahead.” Nigel Howlett, Chief Executive, CHS Group.
If you need some support and someone to talk to, these organisations are here to help
Bereavement support:
AtaLoss.org The UK’s signposting website for bereaved people. Support services, information, helplines and helpful reads for anyone who has been bereaved, whatever their age, loss or background. Includes a searchable list of local, national and specialist services across the UK. A free, professional counselling web chat is also available. ataloss.org
BAMEStream Bereavement Support Service. Support for adults from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic (BAME) communities who’ve been bereaved due to covid-19. Provided by the Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre, which offers therapeutic support in over 20 different languages. 020 7263 6947 bamestream.org.uk/bereavementsupport
Beyond Words Books, e-books and downloadable resources for people who find it easier to understand pictures than words, including people with learning difficulties. Topics like ‘Getting on with cancer’, ‘When Mum died’ and ‘When Dad died’. 020 7492 2559 booksbeyondwords.co.uk
Compassionate Friends A charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child or children. Helpline: 0345 123 2304 tcf.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care Provides bereavement support, either face-to-face or over the phone, from trained volunteers around the UK. Calls to this helpline are free. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk crusescotland.org.uk
The Good Grief Trust The UK’s umbrella charity bringing over 800 support services together under one database. Run by the bereaved for the bereaved, offering early signposting to a choice of tailored help. A national network of support for those grieving and the professionals working with them. Help and hope in one place.
Marie Curie The Marie Curie Support Line provides practical and emotional support for anyone who’s been bereaved, whether it happened recently or some time ago. You can also get ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer. Support Line: 0800 090 2309 Online information and support: mariecurie.org.uk/support Booklets and resources, including easy read versions: mariecurie.org.uk/publications
WAY (Widowed & Young) Foundation. WAY is the only national charity in the UK for men and women aged 50 or under when their partner died. It’s a peer-to-peer support group run by a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age. It runs activities and support groups for people coping with grief. widowedandyoung.org.uk
Child bereavement support:
Child Bereavement UK
Ideas for teachers in schools as well as parents and children. Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 childbereavementuk.org Childhood Bereavement Network. Offers information about local support services. 020 7843 6309 childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
Childline Supports children and young people with a range of issues, including mental health, bullying and family problems. 0800 1111 childline.org.uk
Grief Encounter Supports bereaved children and teenagers. 020 8371 8455 griefencounter.org.uk Hope Again. A website designed for young people by young people who have been bereaved (part of Cruse Bereavement Care). 0808 808 1677 hopeagain.org.uk
Sibling Support A website tool which provides resources for children who are coping with the death of a brother or sister. 0800 02 888 40 siblingsupport.co.uk
Winston’s Wish A child bereavement charity which offers specialist practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals. 08088 020 021 winstonswish.org.uk