As a family, this year has brought us many changes. Among other things, our eldest son has now flown the nest, and the younger, having finished schooling, is now moving on to the next phase in his life.

Whilst it is a cause for celebration to watch your children grow in independence and begin to live their own lives, as a mum, it can also be tinged with sadness. Major life changes are seldom straightforward and are often accompanied by many conflicting emotions. ‘Midlife’ (I’m giving away my age now!) can feel like a crossroads as you realise that a significant part

of your life is over, and a different, uncertain chapter is beginning.

Life is full of change, sometimes exciting and self-instigated. Other changes, such as bereavement, can be shocking, unwelcome and out of our control.

Perhaps 2025 has brought you a major life change – house move, retirement, changing job, moving house or a bereavement?

As we know, bereavement is a unique experience and different for everyone. Perhaps the relationship we shared with the person who has died was difficult. We grieve for what the relationship might have been. We may have regrets or unresolved issues that can lead to prolonged grief.

Marriages and relationships within families are not always filled with love and harmony - this is reality.

For those whose loved one has died from dementia or a similar condition, they may have already started the grief process when they ‘lost‘ the person they knew, the first time. This can feel like a double bereavement.

If the death involved long, painful suffering, some people can feel relief when it is finally over and their loved one is released. This can be accompanied by feelings of guilt.

We begin to feel less alone when we meet with others who are bereaved and talk through the issues that many people face.

If you had a bereavement last year (or at any time in the past) and would like to talk to others in a similar position, call 01379 640 810 to reserve a free place on our next bereavement group. Rosedale’s Bereavement Support Groups are safe, confidential and local to Norfolk and Suffolk.

More information about support following a bereavement can also be found at Rosedale's website.