This article is sponsored by Full Circle Funerals. 

When someone dies, the days and weeks that follow are generally a busy time, with funeral preparations to think about and friends and family to chat to – but what happens when everything quietens down?

It’s a question that funeral directors at Full Circle Funerals often asked themselves when they were supporting people who have been bereaved, and it led to them launching a monthly bereavement support group.

The group is accessible to anyone in the community, not just those who have used the services of Full Circle Funerals.

David Billington, of Full Circle Funerals in Harrogate, said: “It’s a very informal peer support group which is currently being held via zoom so that people can continue to meet during the pandemic.

“We’re finding that it’s even more valuable than ever at the moment when people don’t have access to their usual support networks,” he added.

The group started in October 2018 and has been meeting one evening a month ever since with a welcoming open door policy. It is led by David’s colleague, Ruth.

“Some people find it helpful to share their experiences whereas others prefer to simply listen,” David explained.

“The feedback we’ve had from those attending the group is that it gives them a safe space where they feel comfortable to speak about their bereavement if they want to and where they feel reassured that they are not the only ones experiencing the challenges and emotions they face.

“If one person is finding a particular situation difficult, someone else might be able to share some advice about how they’ve coped with something similar,” he said.

David said some people say very little at first until they get to know people whereas others find it easier to open up to those they haven’t met before.

“Either is okay and everyone involved understands that bereavement is very individual,” said David.

“We aren’t counsellors but we are a team of people who work every day with the bereaved and we listen to their experiences and we share their lessons with those who we hope it can help.”

Sian, one of the group attendees has shared her experience of the sessions.

She said:

“In the beginning I was nervous about attending the peer bereavement session. I’m not one for crying in front of people, but I knew I was in a rut and needed support.

“After the first session, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt something ‘unlock’ in my grief; I slept better at night, was more open with my feelings, and was able to move forward rather than ‘move on’.

“I’ve been attending the monthly sessions for around 6 months. Ruth from Full Circle facilitates the sessions in such a gentle way, and creates a safe space so we can share how we’re truly feeling. Not everyone can do that. I’m no longer nervous about attending the sessions, I look forward to them.”

To find out more about the bereavement group contact ruth@fullcirclefunerals.co.uk. For more information on bereavement support visit the bereavement support section on the Full Circle Funerals website. 

Full Circle Funerals is based at 71 Skipton Road in Harrogate. Tel: 01423 740799