Supporting your family through grief

Make room for different feelings

People in the same family may grieve differently. Some want to talk; others need quiet. Ask what would help today, rather than expecting everyone to respond in the same way.

Accept practical help

Choose one small task someone else can handle: a meal, a school run, shopping or a phone call. Tell helpers what you need. You do not have to manage every task yourself.

Keep support going

Arrange gentle check-ins after the funeral, when visitors have gone home. Keep familiar routines where possible, while allowing them to change. A photograph, a shared story or a private journal can be a way to remember.

Ask for support

If grief is making daily life hard, speak with a health professional or bereavement service. If anyone is at immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services. There is no fixed deadline for grief.