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    Love & Loss Support Group

    Each Tuesday between 7:30pm-9.00pm, Love & Loss is delivered in association with the NENC ICS Staff Wellbeing Hub.

    Facilitated by Piers Lane, Love & Loss is a safe place to explore your feelings about the loss you have faced - whether that be a loved one, or someone you have cared for professionally. If you are struggling with your feelings about that loss, talking about it and listening to others can be a really good way to move forward. Come once or as often as you like to this weekly group.

    There is no charge to attend - nor any pressure to actively participate. All Gateshead colleagues are free to access this handy resource, which is exclusive for health and care colleagues.

    Book your spot at a Support Group session
    Grief statue sad

    Signs of grief

    There is no correct or incorrect way to feel when dealing with loss. Feelings of grief impact different people in different ways, and might also be experienced in cases of relationship loss, loss of a job or home as well as in cases of bereavement.

    Some of the most common symptoms of grief include shock and numbness, overwhelming sadness, tiredness and exhaustion, anger and guilt.

    It is generally accepted that everyone goes through the four stages of grief below – but transition between the stages might not always be clear-cut.

    1. Accepting that your loss is real
    2. Experiencing the pain of grief
    3. Adjusting to life without the person or thing you have lost
    4. Putting less emotional energy into grieving and putting it into something new
    Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations

    Coping with grief

    When dealing with grief, it is strongly advised that you try to open up about your feelings. This might be with someone you are close to – a friend or family member, but might also include a healthcare professional of counsellor.

    Professional and confidential personal support is available through Gateshead Health. To find out more about this, please click the button below and visit our Personal Support page.

    Specialist support can also be accessed via organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Care, who can also be reached via phone on 0808 808 1677.

    Lifestyle changes may also support you in coping with loss. The NHS provides advice on useful and practical changes which can help you to feel in control.

    One area of your everyday life that may be impacted by grief is your sleep. Those struggling to sleep might wish to take advantage of free access to apps such as Headspace and Unmind, or access free mental wellbeing audio guides for further advice on managing this problem.

    Setting small, more easily-achievable targets can help get you through each day. Pressuring yourself with mammoth tasks will only add to the pressure. Equally, focusing on uncontrollable aspects will only waste your energy – focus your time on the things that you can control.

    Finally, it is advised to avoid the use of mood altering stimulants such as alcohol, cigarattes, gambling and drugs. These may provide distraction, but ultimately they only exaggerate feelings and can lead to us feeling worse over longer periods.

    Visit our Personal Support page

    Targeted support

    Grief and bereavement

    Grief and bereavement

    Visit the Cruse Bereavement Care website
    Losing a partner or child during pregnancy

    Losing a partner or child during pregnancy

    Find dedicated support services
    Losing someone to suicide

    Losing someone to suicide

    Check out Mind's custom-made resources