Tag: bereavement

Psychologists offer advice on alternative ways to remember loved ones

The current pandemic has highlighted the importance of family and friends being able to mark the passing of loved ones, even if we can’t say goodbye in more traditional ways.

The British Psychological Society’s Covid-19 bereavement task force has released a new online leaflet, Continuing Bonds, which suggests alternative ways to help us remember friends and family who die due to the pandemic.

Funerals are currently disrupted, with the number of attendees limited in many cases due to the social distancing restrictions put in place to control the spread of the virus.

It is still important for the grieving process that we are able to mark someone’s passing, particularly if a regular funeral is not possible, and the leaflet gives six suggestions.

They include simple gestures like lighting a candle or planting a seed, alongside ways to make a lasting tribute, such as a virtual memorial, Facebook page or memory box.

Professor Nichola Rooney, chair of the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force, said: “Sadly many more people than normal are experiencing bereavement right now, and the emotional effects of this are exacerbated by us being unable to see friends and family, or have funerals in the way that we normally do.

“It’s crucial that we are able to mark the time of someone’s passing, and I hope that these straightforward suggestions help people to do that, even if it is an interim solution until larger gatherings and memorial services are possible.”

Continuing Bonds is the latest in a suite of resources produced by the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force, all of which can be viewed on our website.

Supporting each other through loss and bereavement

The British Psychological Society has published a document on helping one another to cope with death and grief, at a time when many people are experiencing the loss of a friend or family member due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has also released two videos, offering advice on using technology to speak to loved ones who are ill and planning your digital legacy.

Losing a loved one under any circumstances is one of the most difficult emotional experiences that we go through, and it can be even tougher at a time when we have to self-isolate and socially distance from friends and family.

The leaflet ‘Supporting yourself and others: coping with death and grief during the Covid-19 pandemic’ explains the thoughts and feelings that people are likely to experience after a loved one dies, and the changes in behaviour that may result.

It discusses how people can cope with bereavement, acknowledging that everyone deals with loss in their own way, and gives tips on what can help, including:

  • Using digital technology to keep in touch with friends and family
  • Allowing themselves time and space to grieve
  • Not rushing into decisions about possessions and personal effects
  • Trying to stick to a healthy diet and engage in some form of exercise

Straightforward advice is also available for people who are supporting a loved one through their grief.

Measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus mean that many people are unable to say goodbye in person, so the BPS has also produced a video explaining how we can use technology to talk to ill loved ones who we are unable to visit.

It launches alongside a video on digital legacy planning, as many of us store practically important and sentimentally valuable information using technological devices.

If important material is stored on password-protected devices, it’s important for people to make sure that their families are able to access material should the worst happen.

Dr Elaine Kasket, a counselling psychologist and member of the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force that has produced all three resources, presents both videos.

Supporting yourself and others

Life, Death and Lilies installation returns

Project to stimulate more open discussion about dying is rolled out to four sites

A MEMORIAL Garden project aimed at stimulating more open discussion about death and dying is returning to Edinburgh – and expanding into a series of events across eastern Scotland. Continue reading Life, Death and Lilies installation returns

North Edinburgh’s ‘To Absent Friends’ festival

The Old Kirk and Muirhouse church, Drylaw Parish Church, and North Edinburgh Arts have pulled together this programme for “To Absent Friends“, for folk to talk about good life, good death, good grief.

It started yesterday with our annual ‘All Souls’ service and moves around the area for the next fortnight (see poster for details). All welcome.

Alan Fisher (The Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church), Julie Crawford (North Edinburgh Arts),  Jenny Williams (Drylaw Parish Church) and Stephen Ashley-Emery (The Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church).

 

Social enterprise celebrates huge milestone in fighting funeral poverty across Scotland

Scotland’s first not-for-profit funeral directors have already saved bereaved Scots £500,000 

In the light of recent findings by the National Funeral Cost Index Report 2019 that low income families are experiencing even more funeral poverty than ever, one local social enterprise has announced they are well on their way to bucking this trend.

Continue reading Social enterprise celebrates huge milestone in fighting funeral poverty across Scotland

Local Taxi Firm Provides Vital Support to Bereaved Families

A LOCAL taxi company has partnered up with a much-loved children’s charity to support bereaved families during the most challenging moments following the loss of a child. Continue reading Local Taxi Firm Provides Vital Support to Bereaved Families