Marie Curie’s 4th annual Day of Reflection took place on Sunday 3rd March. The campaign encourages communities to come together and honour those who have passed while showing support for those who are grieving. We took part with an activity where staff, volunteers, and carers wrote down the names of their lost loved ones on petals, forming a beautiful flower display at our centre. This simple yet powerful exercise opened conversations about cherished memories and the importance of taking time to pause and reflect. 

For carers, the end of the caregiving journey through bereavement can be especially challenging. Many have dedicated years, even sacrificing significant parts of their lives, to provide care to someone. When the person they care for dies, they not only face grief but often grapple with uncertainty, confusion, and a sense of loss of identity. Recognising this, we offer ongoing support to carers for up to 12 months after bereavement, understanding that many are in the process of rebuilding their lives and establishing a new “normal.” 

While it’s natural to avoid thinking about or planning for the passing of a loved one, this kind of support can make a big difference in helping you as a carer and the person you’re caring for get the right help, making the end of your journey a bit smoother. Our free End of Life Workshop for carers addresses some of the practical considerations both before and after the person you care for dies. This session provides a safe space to share experiences and access support. Our next workshop is due to take place on Thursday 8th August 10.30am – 12pm at our centre, if you would like to attend, please call us 0121 788 1143.