Grief Support

Journeying through grief.

About Grief

Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone important to you. Everyone experiences it differently, and it can bring a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or numbness. It can also affect you physically, leaving you feeling tired, overwhelmed, disconnected, or struggling to sleep and concentrate.

Grief is a personal journey that takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to move through it. For many people, feelings of loss can continue for years, and significant dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays may be especially difficult. Everyone copes in their own way and at their own pace.

There’s no “right” way to grieve – everyone’s experience is unique. However, there are healthy ways to navigate the journey of grief and begin to heal.

Many people find comfort and insight through books and other resources. Two we recommend are Coping with Grief by Mal McKissock and Experiencing Grief by H. Norman Wright.

Below, you’ll also find a list of helpful contacts and support services that can offer guidance during this difficult time.

Common Myths About Grief

Misunderstanding grief can make it harder to heal — here’s the truth behind some common misconceptions.

We’re here to talk whenever you need us.

There’s no set timeline for grief. Everyone experiences it differently, and healing takes as long as it needs to.

Suppressing grief doesn’t make it disappear – it can actually make it more difficult to process later. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel and work through the pain.

It’s okay to feel sad, afraid, or overwhelmed. Expressing your emotions – whether through tears, words, or silence – is not weakness. In fact, being open can support both you and your loved ones.

Grief refers to the internal experience – your thoughts and emotions following a loss. Mourning is the outward expression of that grief, such as talking about your loved one, attending a funeral, or sharing your feelings with others. Both are essential parts of the healing journey.

Children and Grief

Children experience grief too, although they may express it differently to adults. Having open, age-appropriate conversations about death and the emotions that can come with losing someone they love is an important part of helping them feel supported and understood. As Dr Alan Wolfelt said, “If you are old enough to love, you are old enough to grieve.”

Young children around the ages of 3–4 may not fully understand death, but they will notice when someone important is no longer there. Including them in family rituals or memorial moments, if they would like to be involved, can help them feel included and valued within the family.

Children under 3 often rely on routine, reassurance, and close care. Even though they may not understand the concept of death, they are very aware of changes in the emotions and behaviour of those around them. Gentle, simple explanations such as “Mummy is feeling sad today because Grandpa has died” can provide comfort and reassurance.

Older children may mirror the reactions of the adults around them, but they also need space to process their own feelings in their own way. Giving them permission to be involved — or not involved — is important. Asking how they would like to participate can help them feel heard and supported, and your funeral director may be able to offer meaningful ways for them to be included in planning or taking part in the service.

Helping Someone Navigate Grief

  • Accept their feelings without judgement, no matter how long their grief lasts.
  • Offer practical support, such as helping with meals, errands, or childcare.
  • Don’t wait for them to ask for help, as many people may not reach out.
  • Stay connected with gentle check-ins, while respecting their preferences and boundaries.
  • Allow them to grieve in their own way and at their own pace.
  • Remember that grief is deeply personal, and simply being there with kindness and consistency can mean a great deal.

The Six Needs of Mourning

As we move through grief and mourning, there are six essential needs we must meet in order to begin healing.

These needs were identified by Dr. Alan Wolfelt – respected author, educator, and grief counsellor, whose compassionate approach to healing has touched hearts across North America. His work reminds us that true healing comes not only from understanding grief but from allowing ourselves to feel and express it.

  • 1
    Acknowledge the reality of the death
  • 2

    Embrace the pain of the loss

  • 3
    Remember the person who has died
  • 4
    Develop a new sense of identity
  • 5
    Search for meaning
  • 6
    Accept support from others

Talk to Our Team

We’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to learn more or start planning with confidence.

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