A traumatic time for all the family

Feb 19 2008

COPING with a bereavement is always difficult - whether it’s sudden or expected, friend or family, an older or younger person.

A sudden death in particular is traumatic and can turn life upside down for loved ones left behind.

Some of the most stressful times in life occur following a death of a friend or family member. Dealing with death is always difficult and of course as well as this, there are funeral arrangements to make and wills/financial matters to deal with.

This is where local experts can help. Funeral directors can do much to relieve the stress and strain of organising a funeral. They can be trusted to give good advice on the types of service available and sorting out the last wishes of the deceased.

All funeral directors are highly experienced and sensitive people who understand all the stages of grief.

They will do much to lessen the burden of the difficulties of the days and weeks ahead.

As well as organising the funeral services, they will also attend to funeral cars, placing a death notice in the local newspaper and suggesting a venue for a funeral tea following the service.

Many local hotels/restaurants welcome funeral parties and will have menu choices available for a meal/buffet.

Talk to them and discuss numbers and requirements and then they will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Funeral directors can also help you decide on the choice of flowers for the service and whether you would prefer donations in lieu to a charity of your choice.

Many of the funeral directors in Huddersfield are from long standing established businesses and have years of experience in dealing with grief and times of upset and distress.

At this time, there are also bereavement counselling services available from local organisations including the Huddersfield branch of The Samaritans.

Ring the local branch for more information on 01484 533388.

Often talking to a counsellor or anonymous voice is helpful in expressing your true feelings at this difficult time.

The Huddersfield branch of Brake, the road safety organisation based in the town, also offers a counselling service for people who have lost a friend or family member in a road traffic accident.

Take a look at the Brake website www.brake.org.uk for more information and for contact details.

So remember there is a lot of help available to help everyone cope with bereavement and this most difficult time of life.

Never be afraid to ask for help - it’s more readily available than you think. A bereavement always brings a stressful time and there is no shame in asking for help.

As with anything in life, some people cope better with traumatic situations.