PERHAPS WE CAN HELP
Every evening of the year, including weekends, Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, one of our team of trained Volunteers is staffing our Helpline.
They give their time to help and comfort the bereaved. To 'lend a sympathetic ear' to anyone experiencing the sorrow and grief that may follow a death.
All sorts of people, in all sorts of situations, ring us. The pain of bereavement can be immediate and some call soon after their loss. Often they are bewildered and wanting help to pull themselves together once the reality of their situation has started to dawn and they find themselves alone after many years of a loving partnership.
Others may be struggling to express their grief. Feeling guilty that they are not distressed and are seemingly indifferent to their loss. The pain may come after weeks or months and our Volunteers will help at that time.
Help may be needed with a family situation. Perhaps Father, recently bereaved, is already in a new relationship to the disapproval of his children. Money or the allocation of family treasures often causes argument and discontent.
People grieve over national events and disasters. The death of a Royal or well known figure can be difficult to accept. The tragedy in Manhattan brought calls to the Helpline as that appalling story came to us through our TV sets in those dreadful September days.
Death is final. No power can bring back a loved friend or relation. But perhaps we can help - by being alongside, by giving half an hour of our time, by sharing the experience and by helping to understand the pain, the loneliness and the agony of those who grieve.
> The first step is the difficult one.
