NGAS - National Grief Advice Service

29/11/2025

Everyone at the National Grief Advice Service (Registered Charity No. 1211283) is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper, Josh Travis.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Josh’s family, friends, teammates, and all members of the club during this incredibly painful time. Losing someone so young and so loved is devastating, and no one should have to navigate such grief alone.

As an organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by loss, we want you to know that we are here for players, staff, supporters, and the entire community. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling and needs someone to talk to, please reach out.

📞 0300 13 123 53
🌐 www.nationalgriefadvice.com

Our thoughts remain firmly with all who knew Josh, and with the Nottingham Forest family as you come together to remember him. ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfkPPnt2y/

Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former academy goalkeeper Josh Travis.

Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. ❤️

25/11/2025

24/11/2025

🎄 Christmas Tree Festival at St Wulfram’s Church 🎄

Today, Abi, Jo and Vic had the pleasure of visiting St Wulfram’s Church for the beautiful Christmas Tree Festival. Our tree is a truly special one, decorated with heartfelt memory baubles featuring treasured photographs, touching poems, and information about our vital services.

Each bauble tells a story – celebrating love, remembrance, and the support that means so much to our community. We are proud to be part of such a meaningful event and grateful for the opportunity to share our message in such a peaceful and inspiring setting.

If you’re visiting the festival, be sure to look out for our tree – it’s one filled with memories, hope and compassion. 💜✨

24/11/2025

🎄 Christmas Tree Festival at St Wulfram’s Church 🎄

Today, Abi, Jo and Vic had the pleasure of visiting St Wulfram’s Church for the beautiful Christmas Tree Festival. Our tree is a truly special one, decorated with heartfelt memory baubles featuring treasured photographs, touching poems, and information about our vital services.

Each bauble tells a story – celebrating love, remembrance, and the support that means so much to our community. We are proud to be part of such a meaningful event and grateful for the opportunity to share our message in such a peaceful and inspiring setting.

If you’re visiting the festival, be sure to look out for our tree – it’s one filled with memories, hope and compassion. 💜✨

24/11/2025

It’s Okay for Men to Grieve – It’s Okay for Men to Cry

Recently on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Jack Osbourne opened up emotionally about the loss of his father. During the moment, he apologised for crying. That small apology said a lot — and it highlighted a much bigger issue in society.

Men have been taught for generations that they should be strong, silent, and unemotional. Phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry” have created a harmful belief that showing emotion is a weakness. But the truth is simple: grief does not have a gender, and tears do not make a man weak.

Grief is human, not gendered

Losing a parent, a loved one, a friend — it leaves a deep emotional wound. That pain doesn’t work on a timetable, and it doesn’t respond to pretending everything is fine. Men feel loss just as deeply, and suppressing that pain often makes it worse.

Crying is not failure. Talking about grief is not weakness. Feeling broken after loss is normal.

Why men struggle to open up

Many men feel pressure to:

“Stay strong” for everyone else

Never show vulnerability

Handle pain silently

This leads to:

Bottled-up emotions

Isolation

Anxiety and depression

A sense that they are alone

When men are told they must hide their pain, they are denied the chance to heal properly.

It’s strong to speak up

When a man talks about his grief, he breaks the cycle. He gives permission to others to do the same. Healing begins with honesty. Emotion is not something to apologise for — it is something to honour.

If you are grieving, remember:

You don’t have to be “okay”

You don’t have to carry it alone

You are allowed to cry

You are allowed to talk

You are allowed to feel

Support is available

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, support is there for you.

National Grief Advice Service
Registered Charity No. 1211283
0300 131 2353

Receive compassionate support for all types of grief. Contact us for confidential help and resources today!

23/11/2025

🎄 Only 4 weeks to go! 🎄

Sunday 21st December - 11.00 - 16.00

Join us for Jingle & Joy – a magical free Christmas event at the beautiful Grantham House, Castlegate, Grantham.
Enjoy festive stalls, Santa and his sleigh, community stalls, and wonderful choirs & singers.

Grantham House, Castlegate, Grantham NG31 6SS

Hosted by the National Grief Advice Service.

www.nationalgriefadvice.com
0300 13 123 53

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/grantham-house

20/11/2025

🌿 Volunteer with the National Grief Advice Service (NGAS) 🌿

Do you have a listening ear and a compassionate heart? The National Grief Advice Service is looking for caring volunteers to help support individuals and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

As a volunteer, you can help by:
💙 Offering a listening ear
💙 Providing emotional support
💙 Sharing practical guidance

No experience necessary – full support and guidance are provided.
✨ Make a real difference in someone’s life today.
👉 Click here to find out more and apply

Support individuals & families at our Bereavement Wellbeing Centre. Volunteer for grief sessions & activities. Apply to make a difference today!

19/11/2025

Amazing Fundraiser - Debbie Armstrong
Thank you so much!!!!

Why I Took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge:

I decided to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge as a way to push myself and do something meaningful for a cause that truly matters to me. The challenge - climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in one day - was both physically and mentally demanding. There were moments when it felt impossible, but I kept reminding myself why I was doing it. Each step represented strength, reflection, and determination to make a difference.

Why I chose the National Grief Advice Service:

I chose to support the National Grief Advice Service because grief is something that affects everyone at some point in life, and yet it's something we rarely feel prepared for. Losing someone you love can be one of the hardest experiences anyone faces, and having the right support can make all the difference. The National Grief Advice Service offers compassionate advice, understanding, and comfort to those who are struggling to find their way through loss. Their work means so much to me because they have helped me, and I wanted to give something back by helping them continue to be there for others when they need it most.

My Next Challenge:

After completing the Three Peaks, I wanted to keep going and continue raising awareness and funds for this incredible charity. My next Challenge will be to SWIM Every Day Throughout January. It's going to be cold, tough, and at times uncomfortable - but that's part of the message. Grief can feel like that, too: It's something you face one day at a time. Swimming every day is my way of honouring those who are grieving, showing resilience, and reminding myself and others that even through the hardest moments, we can find strength, healing, and hope.

I would be so grateful for any support - whether that's a donation, sharing my page, or simply spreading the word about the National Grief Advice Service. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps them continue their vital work supporting people through one of the most difficult times in life. We can make a real difference and help ensure that no one has to face grief alone.

18/11/2025

Supporting Children’s Grief Awareness Week UK
17th – 23rd November 2025
National Grief Advice Service
0300 13 123 53 | www.nationalgriefadvice.com

Children’s Grief Awareness Week UK, taking place from 17th to 23rd November 2025, is an important opportunity to highlight the experiences of children and young people who are coping with loss. At the National Grief Advice Service (NGAS), we are proud to support this week and to stand with families, schools, and communities in recognising children’s emotional needs and offering understanding, care, and guidance.

Many children across the UK experience different kinds of loss throughout their lives. While bereavement is one of the most recognised forms of grief, children can also be affected by other significant changes. These may include family separation, moving home or school, the loss of a pet, changes in health, or the absence of someone important due to illness, imprisonment, or other circumstances. These losses can be confusing and overwhelming, and children may struggle to express their feelings or understand what is happening. Recognising that grief comes in many forms helps us support children more effectively.

Our Commitment During Children’s Grief Awareness Week

During this week, NGAS is committed to:

Providing clear and sensitive guidance for parents, carers, and professionals supporting children through any kind of loss.

Offering emotional support and advice through our helpline on 0300 13 123 53, where trained advisors are available to listen and help.

Raising awareness about the different ways grief and loss can affect children, including changes in behaviour, questions about the future, and feelings of uncertainty or worry.

Sharing practical tools and resources to help adults talk openly with children about their experiences and emotions.

Why This Week Matters

Children do not always show grief in the same way as adults. Their emotions may come and go, and they may express their feelings through behaviour, play, or silence rather than words. Without the right support, children can feel isolated or misunderstood. Children’s Grief Awareness Week encourages everyone to pay attention to their needs, to listen carefully, and to create safe spaces where they feel able to talk, ask questions, and seek comfort.

We Are Here for You

If you are supporting a child who is grieving or coping with any type of loss, or if you are a young person who needs help, the National Grief Advice Service is here for you.
You can contact us on 0300 13 123 53 or visit www.nationalgriefadvice.com for advice, information, and support.

Together, during 17th to 23rd November 2025 and beyond, we can help ensure that no child feels alone in their grief or their experience of loss.

16/11/2025

Why Speaking to Someone About How You’re Feeling Matters

Grief can be overwhelming, and when you’re struggling, it’s common to withdraw and try to cope alone. But being isolated with your thoughts can make everything feel heavier. When you’re alone, your mind has space to spiral—small worries become big ones, and painful moments replay over and over. Overthinking doesn’t make grief easier; it often magnifies the pain.

Talking to someone, however, changes the emotional landscape.
Sharing how you feel—whether with a friend, family member, or a trained support professional—helps release some of the mental pressure you’ve been carrying. Speaking your feelings out loud can bring clarity, grounding, and relief. It reminds you that you’re not alone, and that what you’re feeling is understandable and valid.

At the National Grief Advice Service, we know how powerful that first conversation can be. You don’t need to have the “right words,” and you don’t need to explain everything perfectly. You just need a safe space to be heard. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it's a step toward healing.

You deserve support. You deserve to talk. You deserve not to grieve alone.

Contact Us www.nationalgriefadvice.com or 0300 13 123 53 he to listen by befriending, counselling or group.

16/11/2025

We Need Your Help
National Grief Advice Service – Grantham Wellbeing Centre

Due to our recent expansion, we’re thrilled to share that our Wellbeing Centre has grown, giving us more space to support people in our community who are experiencing grief, loss, and emotional distress.

To make these new group rooms and counselling areas as welcoming and comforting as possible, we’re looking for:

Sofas or armchairs (preferably in grey or darker tones)

Lounge chairs (similar to those in the pictures below)

Coffee tables and side tables

If you have any good-quality furniture you no longer need, or know someone who does, your donation could make a huge difference to those seeking comfort and connection during difficult times.

Every chair, every table, every piece helps us continue the vital wellbeing work we offer to the community of Grantham, including:

Free grief and bereavement advice

Counselling and support groups

Wellbeing sessions and community outreach

Your kindness helps us create a space of warmth, healing, and hope.

National Grief Advice Service Wellbeing Centre – Grantham
www.nationalgriefadvice.com

To donate or ask a question, please contact:
Abi – abi@nationalbereavement.com

Matt – matt@nationalbereavement.com

16/11/2025