What to Expect when you reach out
Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, or simply hard to name. At Bereavement Care, we offer gentle, confidential support—without pressure, judgement, or expectation.
How We Support You
- Listening without judgement
You don’t need the “right words.” We’re here to sit beside you in silence or talk through what’s on your heart.
- Flexible contact options
Speak with us by phone, arrange a home visit, or meet in person—whatever feels most natural to you.
- Free and local
Our support is free and rooted in the local community, available when you’re ready.
- Inclusive and respectful
We welcome all identities, relationships, and types of loss—including chosen family and companion animals.
- No time limits on grief
Whether your loss is recent or long ago, you're always welcome here.
Who You’ll Meet
Our trained volunteers are compassionate listeners—not therapists, but kind souls who understand the weight of grief and offer a steady presence. Every conversation is grounded in empathy and confidentiality.
What Happens Next
- You’ll be gently guided through your options—whether that’s a one-time conversation, regular support, or simply space to breathe.
- We never ask you to “move on.” Instead, we walk beside you as you learn to live with loss.
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Grief Isn’t One Thing
It’s many emotions, and none of them are wrong
When someone close to us dies, the feelings that follow can be confusing, overwhelming—even surprising. You might have heard people mention “stages of grief,” but don’t worry if that’s unfamiliar. You don’t need any background knowledge to understand your own heart.
There’s no perfect way to explain grief—but here’s one way some people describe it. Not as instructions, or steps, but as common feelings that many experience after a loss.
Common Feelings After Loss
- Shock or Disbelief
You might feel numb or struggle to believe it really happened.
- Sadness
Tears, heaviness, emptiness. Sadness comes in waves, and it doesn’t always make sense.
- Anger or Frustration
At yourself, at others, at the world—for carrying on like nothing changed.
- Guilt or Regret
“What if I’d done something differently?” These thoughts are normal, even if painful.
- Yearning
Missing someone deeply—longing to talk to them, touch them, or hear their voice again.
- Moments of Calm
There may be times when you feel steady, even peaceful. That doesn’t mean you’re “over” it. It just means you’re breathing again.
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And Here’s What’s Important
Grief doesn’t come with instructions. It comes with memories, love, and sometimes pain. The way you feel is personal, real, and worthy of support.
- You don’t need to feel a certain way
- There’s no timeline or order to grief
- You might feel okay in the morning and tearful by afternoon
- Whatever you’re feeling today—that’s okay
