Do remember there is someone else who understands something of how you are feeling. We are here if you need to talk.

HOW TO CONTACT FAMILY SUPPORT

Call our bereavement contact line: 01235 772852

This is a 24-hour service. You may need to leave a message on an answering machine. Please do not be put off by this, as one of our trained family support co-ordinators will return your call as soon as possible.

Or write to us at Epilepsy Bereaved PO Box 112, Wantage, Oxford, OX12 8XT

Or email us at epilepsybereaved@dial.pipex.com

WHY GET IN CONTACT WITH A FAMILY SUPPORT VOLUNTEER?

Bereavement is a highly individual experience. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. People react to grief in many different ways and there is no set pattern.

Feelings of shock, denial, disbelief, numbness, guilt and isolation are very common. Everything can seem very unreal. You may feel you are the only one this has happened to. Sometimes we may feel the need for constant activity or become unable to concentrate or function. We have learned from experience that there is no easy path through the pain of grief that it helps to let feelings out, to go over our story time and again. Sometimes it can be very hard for the bereaved to understand what is happening to them. A Family Support Volunteer will try to help by listening and not make judgements.

It may help to know that you are not alone. Family Support is here to try to make you feel less isolated and offer help in the form of Family Support Volunteers.

Family support volunteers are compassionate people within the Charity who give of their time willingly and freely and who have been trained in this role. They will listen to and support anyone who needs to talk.

FAMILY SUPPORT MEETINGS

Family Support organises regular support group meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity for all members, especially new families, to meet and talk to each other in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. As we are a recently established, small, national charity we are only able to organise national or regional meetings and do not have the resources for regular local meetings.

VIEWS OF SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTACTED FAMILY SUPPORT

" It is such a comfort knowing people care; we all share this dreadful loss and pain" A mother speaking after an Epilepsy Bereaved memorial service

" You and my volunteer have been my inspiration and I cannot thank you enough for all your contact and help" A young wife who has lost her partner

" I realise that you know exactly how we feel " A family on the loss of a daughter

"I felt you were a friend, not a stranger in another town or city" A father who contacted Family support after the death of his son