Join us at St Paul’s Cathedral

During the service, candles will be lit in memory of loved ones, with their names displayed as part of a special act of remembrance.

If you would like someone to be remembered in this way, you can dedicate a candle in their memory.

What is Bereavement Matters Season?

Bereavement Matters Season is a new annual season of remembrance, awareness and support, taking place throughout November and December.

Supported by leading bereavement charities, the season will seek to build upon and enhance the various grief and bereavement themes and opportunities throughout the period, including Remembrance Sunday, Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, Children’s Grief Awareness Week, National Grief Awareness Week, and the lead-up to Christmas, which can be a particularly difficult time for bereaved people.

We are inviting churches, charities and communities to shine a light on the realities of grief, remember those who have died, and help people facing bereavement to find timely support.

For churches, Bereavement Matters Season is an opportunity to offer visible, compassionate and practical support in the heart of local communities.

Simple ways your church can take part

Your church can have an impact however you choose to take part. Even one act of remembering, one clear signpost to support, or one opportunity for people to gather and remember can help people facing bereavement know they are not alone and that support is available.

Purple is the church colour for remembrance and reflection and is the colour for the Bereavement Matters Season.

• You could pray the special prayers,

• wear or distribute Remembering Someone badges,

• encourage people to wear purple during a service or event.

• Simply signposting to Ataloss.org can make a big difference.

At very least, please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page and share our social media to generate support.

Help people remember and find support

Create opportunities for people in your community to remember those who have died and find support.

You could:

• hold a Remembrance, memorial, All Souls’ or Blue Christmas service

• invite people to light candles, write names or messages, or tie white and purple ribbons as part of a 'remembering installation’ (information available soon)

• run The Bereavement Journey® before or after Christmas

‍Resources will be available by 1st September.

Whatever you do please plan to signpost people to national and local bereavement support through ataloss.org on your website, in services, newsletters and events.

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Support the work of AtaLoss

Bereavement Matters Season is also an opportunity to raise funds for AtaLoss so that more bereaved people can find timely support.

Your church could:

• take a collection at a bereavement-related service

• make AtaLoss a beneficiary of your carol service or Christmas collections

• hold a fundraising coffee morning, concert, quiz or community event

• take part in the AtaLoss Armband Challenge to raise funds and start conversations about grief and support

Whatever you decide please get in touch to let us know what you have planned at info@lossandhope.org.