December is predominantly a time for happiness, love and togetherness.
It is also a time widely acknowledged to be the hardest for those who have lost loved ones, when empty seats at the dinner table and missing names from the Christmas card list leave a poignant reminder of those who are no longer with us to share in the good times.
On Saturday 3 December, Grimsby Top Town Market will be displaying a memory wall, which has been created by local children and adults in honour of loved ones who are no longer with us. There will be a series of talks about dealing with grief from author of The Lady Who Came From The Sun, Katie Hopper, and copies will be available to buy. Children are invited to take part in free colouring activities and are welcome to create their own drawing. The event on Saturday takes place between 10am and 2pm.
The Memory Wall will remain on display throughout National Grief Awareness Week, running from 2 to 7 December. Residents are invited to go along and look at the artwork, find comfort in its message of togetherness and reflect on the lives of those who have been loved and lost from their own lives.
Cllr Stephen Harness, portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, said: “Grief is unfortunately an emotion that everyone will experience at some stage of their life. We know that when people feel supported in navigating this complex process of bereavement, they will find the experience less isolating and easier to deal with. That’s why events such as this are such an important thing for our community, in breaking down the barriers to talking about grief and grieving, normalising the conversation and allowing people to remember those they have lost, with love.”
Grimsby Top Town Market will be open as usual during this week:
- Friday 2 December – 9am to 4pm
- Saturday 3 December – 9am to 4pm
- Sunday 4 December – Closed
- Monday 5 December – Closed
- Tuesday 6 December – 9am to 4pm
- Wednesday 7 December – Closed
This important Grief Awareness Week activity is supported by Grimsby Creates and Our Big Picture.
Dealing with a loss is never easy. North East Lincolnshire Council’s bereavement services offers care and support to bereaved loved ones. Whenever the loss of a friend or loved one happens, it can be an extremely difficult and challenging time.
Learn more about grief and support available:
- North East Lincolnshire Bereavement Support Service: call 01472 250623 to be put in touch with the right support based on your needs or visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/bereavement-services/dealing-with-a-death/
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-bereavement/
- Cruse Bereavement Care: www.cruse.org.uk or call 0808 808 1677
- Care for the Family: www.careforthefamily.org.uk/family-life/bereavement-support/ or call 029 2081 0800
- NHS Child bereavement: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/children-and-bereavement/
- Child Bereavement: www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40
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