The start of December sees the marking of a poignant time to remember loved ones and Walsall Council is observing National Grief Awareness Week (Tuesday 2 and Monday 8 December 2025) and encouraging residents to engage with this important, and often taboo subject.

 

 

“ Losing a loved one at any time of the year is always extremely difficult, but the approach of the Christmas season can make that sense of loss even more intense.

In Walsall, we want to ensure everyone in our community challenges the idea that talking about grief is taboo. It is easy to shy away from talking about loss and grief. Whilst we cannot make the pain go away, we can help people feel less alone whilst they are grieving and suffering loss. “

Councillor Keir Pedley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Walsall Council

National Grief Awareness Week helps raise awareness of the impact of grief and loss. Organised by The Good Grief Trust, this year’s campaign theme focuses on ‘growing with grief’, highlighting how, after suffering loss, we cannot go back to being the person we once were, but can instead grow into someone new, shaped by love, memories, and resilience. This growth does not erase the pain, but allows us to be more present, compassionate, and aware of what truly matters in life.

In line with the ‘growing with grief’ theme, The Good Grief Trust has several suggestions for how residents can get involved:

• Plant seeds in memory of someone you love. A flower seed mirrors grief, planted in darkness, it slowly changes, growing into something new while still holding its origins.
• Share your photos on social media and join the campaign. Following the flowers’ growth can reflect the grief journey, showing healing through slow transformation from seed to bloom.
• Walking and talking offers healing through movement, connection, and purpose. Being in nature provides calm, while walking with friends or community opens space for support. Physical activity reduces stress and boosts endorphins.
• The Good Grief Trust has also launched a new book ‘Help and Hope in One Little Book’, created in partnership with author and illustrator, Ann O’Malley, known online as @griefkid. The pocket-sized book is available to order online through the Good Grief Trust website. www.thegoodgrieftrust.org 

The council’s Bereavement Services team can support with information around arranging a funeral, burial or cremation, memorials and the seven cemeteries operated by the team.

The service has an office based at Streetly Crematorium which is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-3.15pm. The team are happy to answer any queries either face-to-face in person, or by phone call and email. To find out more about Walsall Council’s Bereavement Services, please visit: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/deaths-and-funerals 

More information on National Grief Awareness Week can be found here: National Grief Awareness Week