Council displays it support for National Grief Awareness Week

Oldham Council is lighting its Civic Centre yellow as part of a national moment of silence for this year’s National Grief Awareness Week (December 2-8).

This small gesture, which will see the civic tower illuminate at 6pm until midnight on Tuesday, December 8, is one many councils across Greater Manchester and the nation are participating in, as together we look to display support and empathy to those grieving loved ones.

Losing someone close is never easy, whether it is a family member, close friend or work colleague.

And with the ongoing pandemic preventing us from being able to reach out to our family and friends for those much-needed hugs and consolement, those feelings of hurt and loss have been profoundly heightened.

But it’s incredibly important to know that nobody has to go through these difficult moments on their own, with plenty of support on offer to anyone who is struggling to cope with their grief.

Help is also on hand to those who are supporting someone through this process too.

Finding the right words to console someone or knowing how to help them during this very stressful time can also be quite hard but support is on hand to help you through this situation also.

Councillor Zahid Chauhan OBE, Cabinet Member for Health Social Care, said: “Grief is a tough and sorrowful experience, one we must all sadly experience at some point during our lives.

“And whilst some of us are fortunate enough to have close circles of family and friends around us in our time of need, others unfortunately do not.

“That is why it is vital for those who are struggling with grief, especially those going through this traumatic time on their own, to know that support is available to anyone who needs it.

“You don’t need to be the one grieving to receive this support either.

"You could be someone who is consoling a close friend or work colleague, with this support helping you to help them when they need it most.

“The ongoing pandemic has made this process even harder on us all, especially with limitations and restrictions placed on funerals and the mixing of households, which sadly prevent some of us from physically being there to support those who feel as if their world is falling apart.

“So please do not go through this on your own and for anyone currently in this position, please know we are thinking of you at this time.”

Throughout the forthcoming week the council will posting a number of messages on its social media channels, to ensure people who need this support right now, are aware of what they can access.

For more information on support for bereavement or loss, please visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/NGAW

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