Page 11 - Autumn newsletter 12pp 2025

Living

with Grief isn’t something you “get over.” As Simon Brotherton,

Counsellor at St Catherine’s Hospice, explains: “It’s about
loss learning to live with it. Life changes forever, but you can still

have a life.”

Simon knows this personally as his own dad received hospice care in
his home before he died in 2017. Now, after years of training and
volunteering at St. Catherine’s, Simon is a fully qualified Counsellor who
supports others facing loss. Christmas, he says, can be especially hard,
but there are ways to cope.

Let yourself feel Reclaim Christmas
Whether you want to curl up in a your way
duvet or surround yourself with It may not be the same, but you
family, both are valid. Don’t judge can still have a Christmas. Change
your emotions. traditions if you need to and be
open about what feels right for you.
Keep talking
People avoid mentioning loved Stay connected
ones for fear of upsetting you. Loss can feel lonely. Keep people
But using their name and sharing close – friends, family, support
stories keeps their memory alive. groups – so you don’t carry
this alone.
Actively remember
You might visit a grave, pray, share
photos, and remind yourself that
those memories are always yours.

How we can We run regular groups and remembrance events throughout the year.

support you Find out more below:

1 Come to one of our Bereavement Support Groups or Cafés –
open to anyone in the community who has lost someone.
Find out more at stcatherines.co.uk/compassionate-communities

2 Make a dedication at our Light Up A Life event to remember
your loved one. Visit stcatherines.co.uk/light-up-a-life

3 Volunteer in their memory – helping others can bring comfort and
connection. Find out more about our volunteering opportunities:
stcatherines.co.uk/volunteering.

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