Navigating Grief: Improvements to the Circle Adult Bereavement Service
We are excited to announce major updates to improve the support we offer to bereaved individuals and families in mid Essex.
A commitment to improved care
Over the past year, a full review of the Circle Adult Bereavement Service has identified areas where we can improve the support that we currently offer. Long waiting times and limited types of support highlighted the need for a comprehensive redesign. By following national guidelines and using local data, we are committed to ensuring that individuals receive the right level of support at the right time.
Empowering individuals and communities
Grief is a natural part of life, especially following the death of a loved one. It is a normal reaction to bereavement and many people will be able to work through this change to their life using their inner resources and with the support of family, friends and their community. They may experience a range and depth of emotions, but many adults do not need the support of specialist services to help them process these feelings.
To support people as they go through the grieving process, we are updating and increasing the range of helpful information and resources available on the Farleigh Hospice website, including downloadable materials like self-help workbooks designed for bereaved adults.
Community Support Groups: a safe space to share
Our Community Bereavement Support Groups offer helpful opportunities to share experiences with others in a caring and sympathetic environment. Meeting twice monthly at different venues across mid Essex, these groups are run by trained volunteers who encourage people to talk openly and support each other.
We have plans to expand these groups to include more evenings and weekends, making it even easier for individuals to find this type of support. We are also planning a social media campaign to make more people aware of these groups.
A new approach: building resilience
In the first three months following a bereavement, adults will be signposted to these online resources and community groups rather than being referred directly to the Circle Bereavement Service. This approach encourages the bereaved person to also look for support from their personal networks, which is crucial for resilience so they can cope during this challenging time.
Research suggests that involving professional counsellors too soon can unintentionally lead to family and friends stepping back, so it is essential for individuals to establish strong support systems first.
Self-referral and personalised support
After three months, bereaved adults will be able to refer themselves to the Circle Adult Bereavement Service. This change will help us to ensure that the support we offer is adapted to each individual adult’s needs and is accessible, either through online forms or telephone guidance. Each referral will be followed by a personalised assessment, determining the most appropriate support for that person’s unique situation.
Targeted workshops and ongoing support
By strengthening the earlier support, this will make a simpler pathway for those adults who need more specialist services.
Around 40% of individuals may require additional targeted support, so we are introducing a four-week workshop pilot in November. This closed educational group
will focus on practical and emotional tools to help participants live with their grief. We are also developing one-off workshops addressing specific issues such as anxiety, sleep disturbances and adjusting to life alone.
For those facing more complex grief (about 10% of bereaved individuals) our qualified bereavement counsellors will continue to offer one-on-one therapeutic support. This includes six-week therapeutic groups that mix mutual support from other adults in a similar situation with professional guidance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healing.
Moving forward together
As we carry out these exciting changes, we remain committed to supporting local bereaved adults. We believe that, by improving access to information online,
encouraging connections within the community and providing tailored support, we can help adults navigate their grief with dignity and hope.
For more information on our services, please visit the bereavement section of our website HERE
A full parallel service development plan is underway for the Yo-Yo Project, our children and young people’s bereavement service, with updates to follow in the next edition of The Lantern.
This article is taken from The Winter Lantern #112
