A Compassionate Christmas: Bereavement Support with Jill Edmonds

As we head into December everywhere we go reminds us that Christmas is fast approaching. For many this is a happy time, with an atmosphere of joy and togetherness as family and friends get together, but for others it is a time of sadness and loneliness. Coping with grief leading up to and during the Christmas period when someone you love has died can be exceptionally challenging. Whether it has been a few months or a few years the festive period can be a reminder of absence, amplifying feelings of grief and loneliness.

The following are some ideas which may help.

Acknowledge Your Feelings:

It's essential to recognise and accept your feelings of sadness, grief, and even anger. Grief is natural, and it's okay to feel the way you do, whether that is sad or happy. It is possible to experience moments of joy, laughter, and connection with others, even while grieving.

Plan Ahead:

Decide in advance how you want to approach Christmas. You can choose to continue with some traditions, modify them, or create new ones. Having a plan can provide a sense of control.

Share Your Feelings:

Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Sharing your emotions with a friend, family member, or a support group can be very helpful.

Celebrate Your Loved One's Life:

Rather than focusing on their absence, celebrate the positive memories and the impact they had on your life. Share stories and cherish the time you had together.

Create New Traditions:

If the thought of continuing old traditions is too painful, try starting new ones that acknowledge your grief. This can help you navigate through the Christmas period in a way that feels more comfortable.

Set Boundaries:

It's perfectly fine to set limits on what you can handle. You can decline invitations or limit your time at social events if you need to. Find the balance between solitude and socialising that works best for you. Some quiet time to reflect can be valuable, but don't isolate yourself entirely.

Self-Care:

Look after yourself. Pay attention to your physical and emotional well-being. Eat, sleep, exercise, and maybe investigate relaxation techniques.

Remember You Are Not Alone:

It is during times like these that specialised support becomes invaluable. Wells Funeral Services believe in offering comprehensive support to the families we have worked with over the years and recognise that the grieving process can be complex and overwhelming. As part of our ongoing commitment to you, we want to inform you that we have affiliated ourselves with a professional grief counsellor who specialises in guiding individuals through the intricate journey of grief. Jill Edmonds is experienced in providing compassionate and personalised support to help navigate the various emotional stages following the loss of a loved one.

Why Trust Jill Edmonds with Your Emotional Well-being?

Jill Edmonds is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of qualifications and life experiences that make her exceptionally suited for bereavement counselling. Jill spent 22 years as Head of Music at Wells Cathedral Junior School. Through her career in education Jill has acquired a profound understanding of the emotional complexities that humans face at different stages of life.

Jill is a qualified grief and bereavement counsellor and wellbeing coach who works with all people of ages. With a holistic approach to mental health Jill addresses the emotional and physical aspects of well-being, offering a comprehensive counselling service.

Perhaps most compelling is Jill's personal journey through grief. Having lost her husband to cancer, she navigated the complexities of loss first-hand. While Jill understands everybody’s journey through grief and loss is different, this deeply personal experience gives her the ability to connect with others on an emotional level, with genuine understanding and compassion to truly understand the struggles and challenges they face.

A New Chapter with Wells Funeral Services

Jill's appointment as the associate bereavement counsellor for Wells Funeral Services marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing comprehensive care for those dealing with loss. Jill's approach to counselling mirror’s the care, compassion, and dedication that we consistently offer our clients. Her services are the natural extension of our own, flexible, adaptable to the unique needs of each individual and able to make strong connections with people from all walks of life in their time of need.

Jill has a genuine love for helping others, she is compassionate, easy to talk to, patient and understanding. If you are struggling to deal with your mixed emotions and challenges that arise as we head into the festive period, you may benefit from some professional help from Jill. Jill's role will involve providing a confidential space where you can freely express your feelings without judgement. Jill can also offer guidance to help you find a delicate balance that suits your unique needs and circumstances during this demanding and emotionally charged time of the year.

To be put in touch with Jill please do not hesitate to contact us.