In the immediate aftermath of a death, people who are bereaved are often overwhelmed with expressions of condolences, messages and offers of support. Whilst sent with the best of intentions and a desire to comfort, these messages of support can feel overwhelming and at times burdensome.
Identifying practical support that friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours can provide is crucial, but it can feel daunting.
Responding to messages of support
Nominating a contact person in your place to field any calls, questions, well wishes, and offers of support can be helpful until you feel ready to navigate this yourself.
Having ready prepared responses to well wishes so you don’t need to think about what to say is also a helpful strategy. For example:
- Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts.
- Thank you, that means a lot.
- It has been a difficult time, but the support is much appreciated.
- Thank you for your kind words, they are comforting.
Building a support crew
In this digital age, there are now free apps that help coordinate the offers of practical support.
The Gather My Crew app
The Gather My Crew website and app offers practical tools and resources to help you create a support crew, including a circle of friends, family, neighbours and community members. Organising meals and transport to managing household tasks or just being there to listen, the free Gather My Crew app transforms offers of help into meaningful and co-ordinated support.
See how the Gather My Crew app can help you.