Bereavement & Loss
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult and emotional events you can experience in your lifetime. The pain and grief that follows can feel overwhelming and a death on a farm is no different though often more complicated as it impacts on the farm business as well.
The stages of mourning and grief are well-known and are experienced by people from all walks of life – though sometimes those stages do not go in a straight line. Grief occurs for different reasons – in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, loss of mobility or independence through illness or accident, or the death of a loved one or animal.
The way that people grieve can be unique to the individual and there are different things that may affect the way people grieve. Knowing these may help to understand your own reaction and that of others to the loss. If someone’s reaction is different to yours it does not necessarily mean they care less, it’s just different.
Where can I find support?
Talking with someone can be one of the most helpful ways to cope after someone close to you dies.
- Our Life Beyond Programme provides support for farming families across Northern Ireland who have experienced loss through farm accident, suicide, unexpected or expected death. If you need support for you and your farm family through this emotional and difficult time please call our free confidential support line on 0800 138 1678 or visit our Life Beyond page – we are ready to listen when you are ready to talk.
- Cruse Bereavement Care – Service offering support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. Tel: (028) 9079 2419
- Bereavement Support Network – Information and guidance for those who care for and support dying people and their loved ones around the time of and after death https://hscbereavementnetwork.hscni.net/
- Health and Safety Executive NI – Provide information and advice to farm businesses in relation to farm safety and support where a farm accident has occurred. Visit www.hseni.gov.uk or telephone: 0800 0320 121
