This year, we are focusing on bereaved families in the U.K, particularly those who have experienced the loss of a loved in 2022 and are approaching their first Christmas without their loved one(s).
If you would like to nominate a friend, colleague, neighbour, relative ..(anyone you know who has lost a loved one this year) to receive a gift package from Letters of Hope, please complete this nomination form by 6th November 2022.
If you would like to donate to support this project, please click the link below:
2020 has been an incredible year of unprecedented events, including the loss of many lives.
As we approach the Holiday Season, which many of us perceive as the most wonderful time of the year, sadly many families will be apprehensive of this season as they remember their loved ones who are no longer around to celebrate with.
Letters of Hope would like to send joy, love, and hope to bereaved families across the U.K during the upcoming Christmas season, therefore we have set up a 2- fold Christmas appeal:
For those who can support financially to help buy gifts for bereaved families in the U.K.
For those who would like to nominate a recipient of our gift packages.
Letters of Hope invites you to partner with us on this campaign to share the life-changing message of love to as many families as possible.
We invite you to experience the joy of blessing others this Holiday season.
You can be involved no matter how far or near you are. No amount is too small.
To donate – please click the link below.
Nominations for gift recipients will commence on Monday 2 November 2020. Further details regarding nominations will be shared in due course
If this event is fully booked they are hoping to run further groups at a later date to give more parents the opportunity to attend. Please register your interest with the organization.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) have introduced a new Helpline online confidential chat service, which began on Thursday 14May, from 7 pm. You can use the service to talk with their Helpline volunteer team to find support, understanding and information. The online chat is designed to help you express and manage your feelings around your grief when you feel like you need some support and understanding from another bereaved parent. For now, this pilot service is available every Monday from 1 – 4 pm and every Thursday 7 – 10 pm.
Please watch this short clip on how you can support the bereaved during COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of us will either have lost a friend, relative, colleague, neighbour or know of someone who has, so please feel free to share this clip with others.
Hope Again is a website from Cruse Bereavement Care. It’s a safe place for young people (aged 11-18) to share their stories of loss and begin to find ways of hoping again.
This booklet is for anyone who has been bereaved at any time, or anyone who is interested in the faith questions that naturally arise when someone dies.
Get a copy for yourself or someone you care about via the link below
There are very few articles available online specifically for men coping with bereavement.
This booklet from Cruse Bereavement is one of such, I hope you find this helpful. Please feel free to share with others and do reach out if you would like additional support.
Following the death of a loved one, most of us have trouble sleeping. We spend hours lying awake, tossing and turning in bed and imagining all sorts. Others tend to use this time ‘productively’, by engaging in household chores, journaling, reading, watching movies….the end result is you’re likely to end-up exhausted the next day, and the cycle repeats itself again and again.
Here are some tips to help you cope better:
Avoid taking naps during the day, as this will only make it tougher for you to fall asleep at night. If you are absolutely exhausted, you can try limiting your nap to 30mins max using a timer.
Spend time with friends, family, colleagues or neighbour – those who will allow you to share your burden without judgment, so you at least have an outllet for your emotions and thoughts. Remember to be open to their suggestions to help you cope better, they may recommend activities to distract you – be willing to take them up on their offers.
Invite close friends or relatives to spend the night with you every now and then.
Eat well and exercise often
Avoid electronics for at least 30-40mins before you go to bed.
Create a calming bedtime routine – this can be anything from having a hot drink, a warm shower, reading a book or writing out your gratitude list.
Lastly – talk to God about your fears and concerns, meditate on God’s word. This article from UCB’s Word for Today includes some bible passages to medidate on. https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today/50016
