Unlike Birthdays, Christmas and other occasions where there can already be existing ‘happy’ memories, an anniversary can take us right back to the time of the devastating loss, regardless of how many years it has been since the death. In some cases we relive it and some suffer with PTSD. If at any point you feel like you can not cope, it is very important that you talk to someone, whether it be a friend or family member, GP or a counsellor. There is no right answer for where you should seek support as we are all different and manage grief in different ways but it is so important that you have an outlet. There are organisations listed in our Directory page that may be able to help. You can celebrate your loved one by organising a memorial event, releasing balloons, planting a tree, placing a bench or setting off a lantern. Or think about their favorite place or memory and revisit it.

If you are a family member or friend you could send a message of love, buy flowers, or even take a meal to the family. Anything that acknowledges the person, will help.

If you have a child who is bereaved of a parent or sibling please use our registration process to access the support we can offer, though centered around the children it can prove very beneficial to parents and guardians too.