What is Grief? Grief is complex and has emotional, physical, behavioural, spiritual and philosophical dimensions. It is a normal human journey and represents our adaptation towards living life without our loved person. It can be an incredibly difficult, lonely and disorientating experience. It’s ok not to feel ok, as there’s no correct feeling to have or way to grieve. Do what’s right for you. Strathcarron’s Bereavement and Support team offer simple steps that you can take to improve your mental health while you go through the grieving process. The team also want to make you aware of a change in the law that took place earlier in the year relating to Bereavement Support Payment. 🫶 Connect with family and friends - find people who you feel you can express how you are feeling about your loss. 📆 Get things in the diary - You might find yourself lacking motivation, but it can be useful to have some simple plans in the diary to help with the passing of time, such as a walk with friends, a coffee or a trip to the cinema. 💕 Engage with hobbies or try something new to get you out and about - anything from gardening to joining a choir. If your partner dies before you reach state pension age, you may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment. Until recently, this financial help was only available if you were married or in a civil partnership. Cohabiting parents who are bereaved are also now eligible for help and this can be backdated. However, you need to apply by the 8th of February 2024. Bereavement Support Payment is a benefit paid to widows, widowers, surviving civil partners or cohabiting partners who are bereaved on or after the 6th of April 2017. If your partner died before this date, you may be able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance instead. ⬇️ Below is further information regarding this change in the law, eligibility criteria and details of how to apply: - Bereavement Support Payment: How it works - www.gov.uk - How to claim bereavement benefits: Citizens Advice For more information on our own specialist teams: Bereavement Information and Support Manage Cookie Preferences