There are an enormous number of options for people in the midst of grief. Please talk to us if you need any advice or support. Many more people however are looking to the internet for support. There are two broad categories: individuals sharing their experience and insight through blogs, and support services by organisations and businesses. The following are just some of the sites that we believe offer a wealth of help and hope to those who are making the rocky journey through grief.
- Cruse Bereavement Care – www.cruse.org.uk
Cruse is the UK’s largest bereavement charity offering support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. Although a non-religious organisation, the name Cruse comes from the Bible story of the widow’s cruse or container which had an unfailing supply of oil, symbolising that, in bereavement work, a continuous source of light and nourishment is provided through dark time. Founded in the 1950’s as a local support group for widows, as well providing free care to all bereaved people, the charity also offers information, support and training services to those who are looking after them.
- The Merry Widow – www.merrywidow.me.uk
Founded by Kate Boydell, in October 2002, the site was originally designed as a standalone survival guide for young widows, but since then has developed into a hugely popular online resource for anyone who has lost a partner. Kate was widowed in 1998 after nine years of marriage to her husband Charlie who died of heart failure at the age of 37, following a long struggle with complications resulting from emergency open-heart surgery. The information contained on the site is essential reading for widows and widowers of all ages, as well as friends and family who would like to know how best to help. If you need a sympathetic ear, or a way to let off steam, then visit the message board; if you need light relief, then read the diary; and if you need a concise, practical manual on how to cope with your loss, then read the guide.
- Life as a Widower – www.lifeasawidower.com
Following a fruitless search for men in a similar position to himself, widowed young and caring for a grieving toddler, Ben published his first blog post in January 2013, just two months after the tragic death of his 33 year old wife, Desreen Brooks. His blog quickly generated widespread media coverage and amazed a devoted UK and international audience. Four months on, the blog had received a million hits. Through the site, Ben aims to give people a real insight into raw grief, documenting it as it happens, as well as helping people who are either suffering from the pain of loss or attempting to help friends and family through it.
- Friend Grief – www.friendgrief.com
The sole purpose of this blog is to help those suffering after the death of a friend. The blog clearly defines this grief as separate from that of a family member and offers insight and articles about how to share their grief with those who have gone through similar experiences on the blog. It is particularly helpful to those who feel that no one fully understands the grief they are going through.
- The Alchemy of Loss – www.abigailcarter.com
Abigail Carter’s husband died in the 9/11 tragedy and this website is about her journey since then. Following his death, Abigail wrote the book The Alchemy of Loss and this website is all about how she used the trauma of losing her husband to life live to the fullest. The site is particularly unique as Abigail describes herself as a young widow.
- Bereavement.co.uk – www.bereavement.co.uk
Offering information about death, dying, bereavement, funerals and self help counselling. Bereavement UK is an interactive site and there is also a monthly magazine which covers all aspects of death, dying and bereavement.
- Winston’s Wish – www.winstonswish.org.uk
Winston’s Wish is the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. Studies show that if childhood grief is not dealt with appropriately it can have a lasting effect on a child’s emotional well being and cause problems later in life. With an interactive section for older children and information and advice for parents and carers of small children, this website is invaluable.
- Clearly Positive – www.clearlypositive.co.uk
Recently bereaved, Michael Adams became disillusioned with support groups for young widowers, because he felt they were too negative – so he started his own online journal documenting his struggle to raise his children as a single parent. Michael’s wife died of cancer aged just 34, leaving him to raise their children – Olivia, five, and three year old Marley – alone. Determined to celebrate the positives of Helen’s life rather than wallowing in sorrow he started an online blog to express his grief in a more upbeat way. His positive attitude is a lesson to everyone.
- My Grief Space – www.mygriefspace.com
My Grief Space is exactly what it sounds like. A place where people living in grief can create blogs dedicated to a loved one, to the grief process, or maybe the next chapter of life. To make it even better it can be a private space or public space. The site truly lets people create their own grief space.
- Grief Encounter – www.griefencounter.org.uk
Ground breaking charity Grief Encounter helps counsel families, and especially children, to cope with bereavement. It was set up by Shelley Gilbert who speaks from personal experience – she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was four, and five years later, her father died of a heart attack. Shelley published a book, also called Grief Encounter, to help families discuss death, and was deluged by requests for more guidance and support. She launched her charity in 2004 from her North London home and her website has provided support to countless bereaved families. It’s vision is to ensure that every child and young person receives the correct support, information, and advice following the death of a loved one. The site itself is split into easy to understand sections and there is the opportunity to get involved, seek support or fundraise for the organisation.
Please also find below some interesting links and articles on a range of different subjects :
Saying Goodbye: Talking to Kids About Death
Letting Children Share in Grief
The Bereaved Employee: Returning to Work
How to Create a Peaceful At-Home Hospice for Your Loved One
Keeping the Peace While Settling a Family Estate
5 Things You Must Know as the Executor of an Estate