For churches

Supporting bereaved people in a church or wider community is a privileged, but sometime daunting task for church leaders and lay people. Whether you have many years of working in this area or are relatively new to it, and whatever your understanding of grief processes, we hope this section will be of help as you support those suffering the pain and heartache of loss.

Bereavement support basics

• Bereavement and society
• Bereavement and the church
• What to do when someone dies
• What to say on your first visit
• The funeral
• After the funeral

Further help

• How you can help – some dos and don’ts (PDF)
• ‘Walking through the valley’ – a church leaders guide to bereavement support booklet
• Bereavement Care Awareness – A new training course for churches
• Bereavement support courses
• Bereavement support organisations
• Helpful books