Bereavement support and coping with grief
Published on 01 June 2026 02:00 PM
Bereavement: Coping with Grief and Loss
Bereavement: Coping with Grief and Loss
Losing someone close to you can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Across East Sussex, many older people experience bereavement after the loss of a partner, family member or close friend. Age UK East Sussex understands how overwhelming this time can be, and support is available if you need it.
Understanding grief
Understanding grief
Grief can bring a wide range of emotions, which may come and go over time. You might feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness or even relief. All of these reactions are normal.
Grief can also affect you physically and practically, including:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling tired or low in energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Finding everyday tasks harder than usual
There is no set timescale for grief. For some people, feelings ease over time, while for others they may feel just as strong for longer periods.
Coping with loss
Coping with loss
While grief cannot be rushed, there are ways to help you cope day to day. These may include:
- Talking to friends, family or someone you trust
- Keeping a gentle routine where possible
- Allowing yourself time to rest and adjust
- Accepting support from your local community
- Taking things one day at a time
In East Sussex, many people find comfort in staying connected locally, whether through community groups, activities or informal support networks.
Support in East Sussex
Support in East Sussex
You do not have to go through bereavement alone. Support is available across East Sussex, including through your GP, local counselling services and community organisations.
Age UK East Sussex can also help by:
- Providing information and guidance about bereavement support
- Signposting you to local services and counselling options
- Helping you stay connected through local activities and services
If you are struggling, reaching out for support can make a real difference.
When to seek further help
When to seek further help
It is important to seek additional support if grief is making it difficult to manage daily life, or if you are feeling persistently overwhelmed, isolated or unable to cope.
Your GP can help you access appropriate support, and local services across East Sussex are available to help you through difficult times.
How we can help
How we can help
At Age UK East Sussex, we understand that bereavement affects people in different ways. We are here to offer information, advice and guidance to help you find the right support for you.
Bereavement: Coping with grief and loss
Losing someone close to you can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Across East Sussex, many older people experience bereavement after the loss of a partner, family member or close friend. Age UK East Sussex understands how overwhelming this can be, and support is available.
Understanding grief
Grief can bring a wide range of emotions, which may come and go over time. You might feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness or even relief. All of these reactions are normal.
Grief can also affect you physically and practically, including:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling tired or low in energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Finding everyday tasks harder than usual
There is no set timescale for grief. For some people, feelings ease over time, while for others they may feel just as strong for longer periods.
Coping with loss
While grief cannot be rushed, there are ways to help you cope day to day. These may include:
- Talking to friends, family or someone you trust
- Keeping a gentle routine where possible
- Allowing yourself time to rest and adjust
- Accepting support from your local community
- Taking things one day at a time
In East Sussex, many people find comfort in staying connected locally, whether through community groups, activities or informal support networks.
Support in East Sussex
You do not have to go through bereavement alone. Support is available across East Sussex, including through your GP, local counselling services and community organisations.
Age UK East Sussex can also help by:
- Providing information and guidance about bereavement support
- Signposting you to local services and counselling options
- Helping you stay connected through local activities and services
If you are struggling, reaching out for support can make a real difference.
When to seek further help
It is important to seek additional support if grief is making it difficult to manage daily life, or if you are feeling persistently overwhelmed, isolated or unable to cope.
Your GP can help you access appropriate support, and local services across East Sussex are available to help you through difficult times.
How we can help
At Age UK East Sussex, we understand that bereavement affects people in different ways. We are here to offer information, advice and guidance to help you find the right support for you.
If you would like to talk to someone or find out what support is available locally, please get in touch with our team.
You Don’t Have to Face Grief Alone
Struggling with grief or bereavement? You don’t have to face it alone. Contact Age UK East Sussex today to access support and local services.