Shropshire Council to light landmarks yellow to mark Grief Awareness Week

Shropshire Council will join other council’s and organisations across the county by lighting some of its most prominent landmarks yellow to mark Grief Awareness Week.

Theatre Severn, the Old Market Hall and Laura’s Tower in Shrewsbury will all be lit yellow, early evening on Tuesday 8 December.

Grief Awareness Week is an annual national event driven by The Good Grief Trust, the UK’s leading umbrella charity, bringing all UK bereavement services, support organisations and helplines together under one central database.

Jules Lewis, local volunteer ambassador for The Good Grief Trust, said:

“It has never been a more important time for us to talk about death and dying, and to support bereaved families at the hardest of times.

“Christmas can be such a difficult time for so many, but talking about your loved one, saying their name and having someone listen, an understanding ear, can be so helpful.”

Shropshire Council is already offering families and individuals who have lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic free bereavement counselling.

FREE Bereavement counselling is available to everyone in Shropshire

Run by Shropshire Council with support from Samaritans, Severn Hospice, Cruse Bereavement Care and Crane Quality Counselling, the Bereavement Support Service offers one to one personalised counselling for people across the county.

People will be able to talk to a trained professional about how they are feeling and to seek advice. Experts from the charities can also suggest helpful ways to remember and pay tribute to loved ones.

You can access the bereavement service by calling the Shropshire Council COVID-19 Helpline number on 0345 678 9028.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“Bereavement is a difficult experience under any situation.

“Some families may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones before they died, which can be particularly upsetting. Those who experience loss during the pandemic may also be cut off from some of their usual support network.

“During these unprecedented times, having someone at the end of the phone to talk to can make a huge difference. You don’t have to deal with this alone.

“2020 has been a year like no other so it’s important that council recognises this so I’m pleased that Grief Awareness Week is being marked by lighting key landmarks yellow.

“We urge anyone feeling sad, lonely, distressed, overwhelmed or unable to cope to pick up the phone. We have ensured that you can access a range of services on a free and confidential basis. We aim to ensure everyone requiring bereavement support and help can access it quickly, easily, in a way and time that suits them.”

For further information about bereavement support, click here.

Support is also available for those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide and for professionals supporting them. Click here for more information.

Shropshire and Telford Suicide Prevention Network have put together an information card to help support those suffering from suicidal thoughts or those affected from it. The Zcard can be downloaded here.