WHO CALLS OUR HELPLINE?
Every evening of the year, The Bereavement Trust Helpline is staffed to give comfort to those who are bereaved. So what sort of calls do we receive on 0800 435 455?
(The names given have been changed)
After an unhappy marriage and divorce Jane had formed a new relationship when in her 50's. Her partner, of a similar age, was on the point of retiring. Playing cricket one evening, he died of a heart attack while keeping wicket. After several months Jane finds great difficulty in accepting the situation.
An only child, Richard had never left home, never married and for many years had looked after his mother, who had become increasingly frail. Eventually she had to be admitted to hospital where she died. Richard blames himself. Could he have done more? Could he have continued to nurse his mother? If so would she still be alive...?
Beatrice is an elderly lady living on a Nottingham estate. Sadly her husband died and left her widowed and with no local support, their children living away. She has limited social life and is desperately lonely. In the darker months she may speak to no-one for days on end. She often rings to hear a friendly voice.
One evening Hilda's husband arrived home late from the pub much the worse for wear. They quarrelled and Jack was banished to sleep in the kitchen. When Hilda relented in the night, she found him dead. She feels terrible guilt that her last words to him were in anger.
Often it is difficult to accept bereavement. In the sort of circumstances outlined above and in dozens of other situations, perhaps 'a sympathetic listening ear' in sorrow can help a little.
> The first step is the difficult one.
