Grief and Bereavement Network

A place for peer support and discussion
Grief and Bereavement Network

In line with government guidance the decision has been made to cancel all staff network meetings and to postpone all events until further notice. This will be with immediate effect. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may caused.

Grief is a natural response to loss but can often feel overwhelming. People experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness which can disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges, but you don't have to go through this alone.

If you are experiencing grief or bereavement and the complications of coping with balancing this with work and home life then this network may be for you. It is a peer support and discussion group as well as a resource bank for its members. All staff should be assured that this network will offer a safe, welcoming and confidential environment.  

If you are interested in joining the network please email equality@plymouth.ac.uk 

Grief and Bereavement Network Facebook Group

Are you a member of staff who is experiencing loss, grief or bereavement? Join our private Facebook group to access online resources, peer to peer support and discussion and a safe place to explore feelings and coping strategies. 

Find the group by using 'Grief & Bereavement Network at Plymouth University' on Facebook. 

We look forward to welcoming you.

The grieving process: coping with death

 There is no right or wrong way to deal with the loss of a loved one. The grieving process is rough – and it's different for everyone. It's not just a matter of coping with a loss, but coping with change – and that takes time.
Watch the WellCast video

The Adventure of Grief: Dr Geoff Warburton at TEDxBrighton

Psychologist, writer and innovator, Geoff Warburton has spent the last 25 years studying love and loss. Geoff challenges conventional apathy about grief and loss by offering an approach that evokes curiosity, openness and compassion.

Watch Geoff Warburton's TEDx talk 

Local Support Groups and Resources

  • WAY (Widowed and Young) – the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. It's a peer-to-peer support group operating with a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through. This website also has a fantastic useful links section
  • Cruse Bereavement Care – Cruse's vision is that all bereaved people have somewhere to turn when someone dies.
  • BCS Plymouth – the Bereavement Counselling Service (BCS) is a charity which offers specialist bereavement counselling in response to complicated grief and traumatic loss.
  • Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. They are a self-help organisation and aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.
  • Bereavement Advice Centre – there are many practical issues to manage when someone dies; Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises people on what they need to do after a death.
  • The Miscarriage Association – if you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, we hope you will find here the information and support that you need to help you through.
  • Sands – supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. We offer emotional support and information for parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families and friends, health professionals and others.
  • Marie Curie – provides care and support through terminal illness. Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. That's why the right care at the end of your life is so important.
  • NHS Choices – bereavement resources 
  • Mind – Provides information on the effects of bereavement, where to go for support and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief. 
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists – information is for anyone who has been bereaved, their family and friends, and anyone else who wants to learn more.

SHINE - Self Help Inspiring E-Resources

SHINE is created by students, counsellors and researchers and is packed full of resources to support you and those around you.

Watch, read, listen, find apps and useful links to the best online resources and information about mental health and well-being! 


Togetherall

If you are going through a tough time you can now access free online support with Togetherall (previously Big White Wall). Whether you’re struggling to sleep, feeling low, stressed or unable to cope, Togetherall can help you get support, take control and feel better.

You will have access to a 24/7 online community and professional support from trained counsellors. Togetherall provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.

Togetherall is totally anonymous, so no one will know you’ve chosen to use it unless you tell them!

To join us, simply go to Togetherall and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your university email address.