*Family & Friends* Weekly Topic - "Grief" (National Grief Awareness Week 2023)

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the Forum’s new topic! 

We have heard your feedback, so we will be regularly posting new topics to give you the chance to reflect on your journey so far. We will be including content around topics such as gambling harms research, news articles, reflections from GamCare staff, and more.

This week’s topic is grief, and this week is “National Grief Awareness Week”. This campaign is supported by bereavement services all over the UK as an opportunity to get people talking about bereavement.  

“AtaLoss” organisation shares why this week is important:

“There are estimated to be at least 10 significantly bereaved people for every death… Bereaved people are at increased risk of isolation, loneliness, trauma, PTSD, alcohol, drug abuse, self-harm and mental ill health. With early support, most will grieve healthily.

We are all bereaved at some point during our lifetime, many will be bereaved traumatically. National Grief Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind everyone that there are almost certainly people we know who need support, care and compassion.”

For more information, or your local bereavement services please see: https://www.ataloss.org/news/national-grief-awareness-week-2023.

It is also important to note that grief is not confined to the loss of a loved one, we can experience grief through any events that incur loss. This can include the loss of relationships, job, home, stability, dream, youth, fertility, and more. There is more information about grief and accessing support here: NHS Grief Information

So, what are your thoughts?

How has “grief” or “loss” been a part of your story so far?

We would love to hear your reflections below.

All the best,

Lulu

Online Peer Support Team