Grief affects each of us differently. It can feel heavy, confusing or isolating – especially in the early days.
This National Grief Awareness Week, we want to acknowledge that reality and share reflections from those who support those facing loss.
Across our work, we see how communities around the world support one another in difficult times. Even in the midst of conflict or disaster, people share compassion. That same spirit sits at the heart of this week.
You can discover meaningful ways to remember someone special through in-memory giving.
Finding support when you need it
Finding help after the death of a loved one isn’t always easy – but support is out there.
Rose-Anne O’Hare, a bereavement counsellor of over 25 years, has seen how powerful it can be for people to share their experiences with those who understand. Participants in her groups often say they ‘don’t feel judged or overwhelmed with advice’ and that they value being able to ‘express themselves, tell their stories, and know their pain is respected’.
She reflects that support groups can be especially meaningful because they bring together people who have lived through similar experiences – though she acknowledges that groups like this aren’t widely available. When they are, they can offer a rare sense of understanding and relief.
For some, that supportive presence comes from close friends or family. For others, it’s a faith leader, a community group or a professional listener. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Only what feels supportive and sustaining for you.
A moment for connection
Church communities can also play an important role for people navigating loss.
Norma Fergusson is a retired Anglican priest with many years’ experience supporting grieving families. She explains that support often begins when people meet their vicar to arrange the funeral. She emphasises that families ‘shouldn’t receive an off-the-shelf package’, and that services should reflect the wishes of the person who has died and those who loved them.
While this won’t take away the grief, it can make the practicalities easier and help you feel confident that you’re honouring your loved one’s wishes.
Norma shares that many clergy are also open to meeting at any stage to talk about funeral planning or to offer a space for questions and reflection. This can make the practicalities feel more manageable and reassure families that they are honouring their loved one’s wishes.
During this time churches also offer support many people who aren’t regular churchgoers – often becoming a steady presence at a time when life feels shaken. Norma highlights the value of simple, everyday connection: whether through support groups, coffee mornings or attending a service when Sundays feel particularly lonely. These moments of care gently remind people that they don’t have to face grief alone.
Carrying love forward
Many people find comfort in creating something positive in memory of someone they’ve lost.
By bringing together stories, photos and treasured memories, or by choosing to make a gift in their honour, you can carry their love forward in a way that feels meaningful to you. These acts of remembrance can bring light to others facing hardship, helping families rebuild their lives and move towards a safer, stronger future – a legacy rooted in care.
If you’d like to explore ways to honour someone special, you can learn more about giving in memory or creating a tribute page today.
Be gentle with yourself
About the contributors
Rose-Anne O’Hare is a bereavement counsellor with a keen interest in how grief affects us and how society approaches bereavement and death.
She has worked as an NHS therapist, educator, and bereavement counsellor. She now leads bereavement groups and cafes, offers one-to-one counselling, and runs sessions on preparing for death in southwest Oxfordshire.
Norma Fergusson is a retired Anglican priest who continues to lead services and support those experiencing grief, whether recent or long ago.
She also volunteers weekly in a Christian bookshop and café, combining her love of books, cake, and people.
