Almost half of Britons (47%) say they would feel uncomfortable talking to someone who has been recently bereaved according to a new study released by the Dying Matters Coalition this week.

The research has been released to coincide with the launch of ‘Being There’, a new Dying Matters campaign to support people with what to say and do after someone has been bereaved, including over the Christmas period.

The report has been backed by Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Abbey Wood, who offer a variety of services to support people who have been bereaved whilst their friend or relative was under the care of the Hospice, including individual counselling, group counselling and telephone support.

The Hospice’s telephone bereavement support service, which helps people who are struggling with bereavement to access the support they need, has helped nearly 2,500 people since it started, four years ago.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice also provides additional support for carers and families through its bi-monthly drop in service, Stepping Stones, where bereaved people can socialise with others in a similar situation and access advice, support and relaxation therapies.

Information on Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice’s Support and Counselling services can be found at www.communityhospice.org.uk/support-and-counselling.

Dying Matters has produced a new leaflet based on bereaved people’s own experiences. It is available to download for free at www.dyingmatters.org.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice is looking for volunteers to join its telephone bereavement service. To find out more call 020 8320 5812, email vanessahill@gbch.org.uk or visit www.communityhospice.org.uk.