Grief awareness week

Jenette Blackman, Medical Examiner Officer (left) and Thembeka Ngwenya, Specialist Bereavement Nurse.

Specialist Bereavement Nurses in Wolverhampton have held events to encourage people to talk about death, dying and grief this week.

Dying Matters Awareness Week, from 2-8 December, aims to open up conversations around the often taboo subject.

Specialist Nurses at New Cross Hospital are also using the week to raise money for a new relatives’ room there.

Supported by Your RWTC, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity, the Specialist Palliative Care Team is hoping businesses and fundraisers will support its £100,000 appeal to create a dedicated space for the loved ones of patients receiving care in the last days of life.

The theme for this year’s annual campaign is ‘Growing with Grief’ which emphasises that while losing a loved one can feel like an ending, it can also lead to new beginnings.

There have been opportunities throughout the week for staff to come together and talk openly about grief and the support services available.

Stacey Owen, Specialist Nurse – Child Bereavement, said: “We have held lots of events this week including a walk and talk activity, where staff could share their experiences and remember loved ones. Additionally, a bake sale and raffle were held to raise money for our fundraising appeal.

“We will also be cutting paper in the shape of flowers that will be available each day, on stands and in the Bereavement Centre at New Cross Hospital (C51) for staff and patients to write down what they feel ‘Growing with Grief’ means to them.

“Words will be gathered to create artwork to be displayed in the centre after the campaign finishes.

“There will also be many opportunities to write a note on the memory tree, or in the Book of Remembrance. Candles and seeds will also be available to be lit/planted in memory of a loved one. “

Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton has also been lit up orange for the week– a colour which is synonymous with the Good Grief Trust, which founded the campaign.

Stacey added: “We hope that these events will raise awareness of the bereavement support services available and encourage open conversations about grief beyond this dedicated week.

“If you require further information or support, please contact us for support on 01922 444072.”

For more information about National Grief Awareness Week, please visit The Good Grief Trust.