No-one can take away the pain and sadness, but knowing that people care, is comforting and healing.
You cannot “fix it”, but you can help:
- By offering to be there
- By listening and accepting strong emotions
- By being patient and allowing silences
- By showing that you care
- By offering practical support
- By not saying “I know” or “I understand” unless you really do
- By avoiding platitudes – “It’s God’s will”, etc.
- By not taking anger personally
- By encouraging people to make their own decisions, and helping them to find information and support
- By taking care of yourself – knowing your limits
Don’t underestimate the value of ordinary human kindness.
Red Nose is committed to supporting families navigating the complexities of the loss of a baby or child. To access our specialised bereavement support including: counselling, peer support programs, support groups, and resources tailored to individual needs, click here.
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