Free Seminars Focus On Bereavement Support

Derby and Ashbourne independent funeral directors G Wathall & Son are holding two free seminars to help people cope with bereavement and also to share best practice with professionals on supporting people who have lost a loved one. The daytime seminars will be held on Monday September 26 at the Grange Banqueting Suite in Littleover.

G Wathall & Son’s community work to support people coping with bereavement was highly commended in the 2016 Business Awards’ contribution to the community category.
The firm holds regular six-week Grief Journey programmes (next one starts on October 26) and also runs the Derby Dandelions bereavement support groups which meet once a month during the day and in the early evenings.

World-renowned grief counsellor and author Dr Bill Webster, who works with G. Wathall & Son on the Grief Journey Derby programme, will lead the seminar which is open to members of the public and will be held between 2pm and 4pm. Dr Webster said: “The trouble with grief is that it usually does not follow a predictable, timely or one size fits all pattern. “Many things catch us by surprise and, while we understand grief in theory, when it touches our lives it raises many unexpected issues, questions and concerns. “The seminar will therefore look at the theory and issues in grief and explore ways of dealing with these situations.”

A morning seminar will also be held for professionals who support people after bereavement from health care professionals to solicitors and accountants. Alongside Dr Webster, will hear from Chris Dilly from the Laura Centre in Derby which supports children and their families through bereavement. Mr Dilly has more than ten years’ experience as a work-place counsellor and will talk to delegates about the impact of a death on individuals and families.

G Wathall & Son Managing Director Helen Wathall explained: “The seminars will be a valuable addition to the established Grief Journey Derby programme and Derby Dandelions support group. “Grief is one of the most difficult experiences of life.  We are rarely prepared for the intensity of some of the emotional reactions following the loss of a loved one.
“I hope that the public seminar will help people come to terms with coping with bereavement whether it is recent or in the past. “We are particularly pleased that the Laura Centre will be sharing their expertise with professionals as we have worked very closely with the charity over the years. “The Laura Centre has incredible expertise and experience in supporting children and young people who are bereaved or families who have lost a child.”

Places are limited for both seminars.  To register, please call 01332 345268 or email: angela@wathall.co.uk

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