Dozens of ExtraCare residents feel more comfortable talking about death following bereavement support training across villages
“The project aims to bridge the gap between residents and speaking about grief. It’s about changing people’s perceptions so that talking about death, dying and bereavement becomes less of a taboo subject,”
“Our communities are vibrant and our residents are involved in a diverse range of life-affirming activities that can include singing, tai chi and wheelchair aerobics, with links into community groups, school and volunteer activities.
“That said, in any community coping with bereavement is also a part of life and it’s important we recognise this openly and provide appropriate support and comfort for those who need it.
”It’s great to hear that the bereavement training is being well received, not only by the volunteers but those on the receiving end too.
“One recipient fed back saying the support she received encouraged her to resume activities she had previously enjoyed, while others said they welcomed having someone who was “trained, caring and non-judgemental to talk to.”
Results from the recent survey also showed that all volunteers now understand grief a lot better, with some residents commending the training for how much they had learnt about bereavement and more specifically, how everyone experiences it differently.
“It’s not just grieving for a person, sometimes people are grieving the loss of a home, a pet, a job – all of which, the trained Bereavement Supporters will be able to support with,” added Michael.
“We really hope that the project empowers residents, encouraging them to support one-another.
“People underestimate how powerful having just a 10 minute conversation with somebody can be but this support can often prevent any further mental health problems, as well as helps people avoid taking anti-depressants.”
As well as bereaved residents, around 200 staff have received loss and bereavement awareness training, many of whom reported feeling bereaved when a resident had died.
“We want to create a bereavement friendly community within our villages,” said Michael.
“Not only does the training offer support to bereaved staff members but it also helps them talk about dying with others, or breaking the news of death.”
Eve Wilson, Bereavement Support Project Manager at Cruse Bereavement Care, said: “We are delighted that so many ExtraCare residents have found the bereavement training helpful and feel more comfortable when supporting others who are grieving.
“It is likely that residents will experience a bereavement during their time at ExtraCare, so it is important peer-support is available to help them through this difficult time.”
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