New bereavement service will support those in Wakefield struggling with loss

The Wakefield and District Bereavement Service is commissioned by the Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group and is being delivered by The Prince of Wales Hospice.

The service supports any adult across the district who is finding it difficult to cope with the loss of a significant other, regardless of how and where they died.

Kath Atherton, bereavement counsellor at the hospice said: “Grief is one of the most painful of all life experiences.

“It can impact on how we sleep, eat, engage with friends, family and our enjoyment of usual interests and activities.

“Adjusting to living a very changed life, in healthy and helpful ways, may demand different ways of coping with our many thoughts and feelings.”

The service is led by an experienced team of bereavement counsellors and volunteers with confidential support available in a variety of formats. Emotional and practical support can be provided through face-to-face sessions, over the phone, through video conferencing and at support groups across the district.

Jo Schofield, Head of Clinical Services at the Hospice said: “Most people experience grief when they lose someone important to them, and it affects everyone differently.

“For some people, support by someone not known to them, or mutual support that can come from being with others in a group, can make all the difference.

“Now more than ever it is important to provide a safe space and a knowledgeable and compassionate bereavement supporter to talk to.” Referrals can be made by calling 01977 781452 or emailing [email protected]. More information available at pwh.org.uk/bereavement.