Children & Bereavement

As an adult I find the subject of loss and bereavement difficult to discuss with others or on-line & even more so to put it down in words. It is one of those very personal subjects and it is hard to know how to approach it when someone has lost a person close to them. How do you acknowledge their bereavement? A card? A phone call? In person? On-line? Do you talk about the dead person; and for how long do you continue to mention them? How long should one stay in this 'grief' period? These and many other questions have cropped up whenever there has been a bereavement in my own circle. I am aware that people's responses will be as individual as they are.

If I as an adult have problems discussing bereavement then imagine what it must be like for a young child to loss a sibling, parent/s or friend. At such difficult times 'Nelson's Journey' have come to the rescue to help some children cope with their grief & thankfully has helped many young children come to terms with their loss.

I am supporting an event on Sunday 16^th August, at the Silver Room, Norwich to draw attention to this valuable charity and raise funds for it.

The following information was sent by the Organisation:-

”Nelson’s Journey is a Norfolk charity supporting children and young people, up to their 18^th birthday, who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life e.g. parent, sibling, best friend etc. Our vision is to give every bereaved child in Norfolk the support they need to move forward positively with their lives, never having to cope with their loss alone. We know offering the right help at the right time gives them the best chance of avoiding long-term mental and emotional health issues, which can lead to educational problems, drug and alcohol abuse and law-breaking. We understand too that coming to terms with their loss often means dealing with anger, bottled-up feelings and confusion as well as grief, particularly when their love one’s death was sudden, unexpected or the result of suicide. Our 1:1 sessions, therapeutic weekends, activity days and NJ Clubs offer support tailored to each child’s needs and circumstances, and our guidance gives parents and carers the tools they need to support them. Nelson’s Journey endeavours to ‘Bring back smiles to bereaved children’. During 2014 we received 598 referrals, a rise of 18% on the previous year.”

7 easy steps to avoid the 'heatwave'

As I write this the weather outside is sunny and bright – at least it is in Norwich, Norfolk! It is so tempting to get out there to enjoy the sun. However, it is always good idea to try and be careful with the amount of exposure to the sun; especially during a heatwave.

The definition of a heatwave is when the temperature exceeds 30°C during the day and 15°C at night. These temperatures could have significant effects on people’s health regardless of their age and present health condition. If these temperatures are reached on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night then it is advisable to be very sensible.

Taking the following precaution during a heatwave may be helpful:-

1.  Drink plenty of water, 2l is the recommended daily intake. Staying hydrated, especially during a heatwave, is crucial to your wellbeing.

2. Now may be the time to sort your wardrobe out and find your cool clothing. It is possible to be smart and cool at the same time by planning your wardrobe according to the temperature outside. So forget heavy wool, jersey or tight clothing such as the denim 'slim fit' trousers/leggings which seem be the fashion at the moment. Instead go for light and loose fitting clothing. If you are planning to buy new clothes this summer then look out for 'smart' clothes that are manufactured to keep you cool. I have a t-shirt made with this material & it is very comfortable to wear when I am working as a therapist.

3. Plan ahead and pace yourself. It is always best to see what the weather forecast will be if you have to be out & about during the heatwave. The weather forecasts are usually accurate these days. If you suffer from any pollen related allergies then paying attention to the pollen count would be beneficial to you. 

4. Get fresh air into your house/workplace. This may not always be easy but do what you can to create a through draft through open doors and windows where secure and safe to do so. Also, using a fan to lower the temperature would be helpful. You may like to think about switching off hot lights or electrical equipment that generate extra heat – this will also save you money!

5. Avoid physical exertion. Plan your day and delay anything that requires exertion to a cooler day or an early morning. If possible get someone to help you with heavy physical tasks.

6. Travelling - do you have to make that journey? If it is unavoidable then try to minimise going out in the heat of the day, normally between 11am - 3pm. Plan for cooler times of the day or delay your travel altogether. Also, always make sure that you have plenty of water to drink with you especially if you are caught in traffic or delayed on the railway. I always carry water in an insulated carrier & always have a frozen wrap around my water bottle. A little snack such as a banana is also a good idea.

7. The hot weather can increase the problems caused by any existing illness as well as causing heatwave related illnesses such as heat exhaustion. If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke then seek immediate medical help. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours then please keep an eye on them. Heat can easily kill.

Enjoy the weather; we don't get enough sunny days for our bodies to get used to the temperature so play safe and savour the moments.