Seven practical suggestions if your friend or relative has recently been bereaved

1. Make a special effort to keep in contact after the funeral
   
   It may be tempting to keep away, especially as you probably do not know what to say, but visits and telephone calls are essential.
   
   
2. Be a good listener
   
   Try not to steer the conversation yourself but let the bereaved person talk about what they want. Allow even encourage, him or her to talk about the person who has died and listen attentively. This may be difficult for both of you but it will help your friend come to terms with the death. Do not mind if your friend cries, or even if you cry yourself - it is perfectly natural.
   
   
3. Avoid making assumptions about how your friend will feel
   
   All bereavements are different. Do not assume that your friend will feel the same as you did when you were bereaved, and do not say "I know how you feel". Encourage your friend to express his or her feelings, whatever they are, and try to accept that they are valid. For example a bereaved person might feel worried, angry, guilty or even relieved. Try to understand your friend's feelings and do not say that they are wrong.
   
   
4. The importance of touch
   
   Bereaved people often feel isolated and it may help to put your arm around them, touch their shoulder or elbow, or hold hands or shake hands. Clearly you need to use your discretion but touch can be a very effective way of affirming friendship.
   
   
5. Offer practical help
   
   If you see that your friend needs help then offer to help, or suggest where help can be obtained - do not wait to be asked. It is better to suggest a specific job or jobs. However, be prepared to accept that your offer of help may be declined - you can always offer to help in some other way or at another time. Be careful not to take over - your friend should stay in control at all times.
   
   
6. Refer to the professionals if necessary
   
   If you notice a serious problem which seems to be persisting longer than it should , e g over use of alcohol or drugs, serious self neglect, malnutrition, total inertia or violent mood swings, you should express your worries to your friend's doctor or, if they belong to a religious group, their minister priest etc. They will listen, and may be able to help, but remember that they have a duty of confidentiality to your friend.
   
   
7. Allow plenty of time
   
   Grieving is a process which changes over the weeks, months and years, but your support will be valuable. Anniversaries such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and the anniversary of the death any be particularly difficult for the bereaved person- it will help if you are aware of them.

Organisations who might help

The following organisations serve the whole of the U K in some cases they may be able to refer you to a local group or contact.

• Cruse Bereavement Care
  Free advice, support and information for bereaved people.
  Telephone - 0870 167 1677
  www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
  
  
• The National Association of Widows
  Information and local social groups.
  Telephone - 024 7663 4848
  www.widows.uk.net
  
  
• The Compassionate Friends
  Support for bereaved parents
  Telephone - 0117 953 9639
  www.tcf.org.uk
  
  
• SANDS (The Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Society)
  For people bereaved in this way
  Telephone - 020 7436 5881
  www.uk-sands.org
  
  
• The Samaritans
  Telephone listening service
  available 24 hours a day
  Telephone 08457 909090
  www.samaritans.org.uk