Your Letters: December 6

This week marks National Grief Awareness Week - a time when we shine a light on all aspects of grief to try to gain a better understanding of the grieving process and how we can support those who are going through it.

I’ve worked as a Bereavement Counsellor at the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands for 25 years and one thing is for certain – grief affects all of us at one time or another.

It’s a normal emotion we feel as a response to loss at any age. Throughout our lives we may experience many different types of loss, such as relationship breakdowns, redundancy, health and the death of a loved one.

The loss of a loved one is often followed by feelings of shock, denial and numbness, but everyone experiences grief in a different way. 

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, no set pattern and no set time frame. When you’re experiencing a bereavement, it’s important to look after yourself. Get out and about, exercise if you can, and think about your loved one. Remember that grieving is ‘normal’ and takes time.

If you are struggling to cope, do seek further help. Talk to your GP, or friends and family. Marie Curie also offers a free Bereavement Support Service. Visit mariecurie.org.uk for more information or call 0800 090 2309.   

Jane Murray, Bereavement Services Manager

WE NEED A PM LIKE CHURCHILL

With Winston Churchill born 150 years ago, we need another one like him to sort out the mess the country is in.

Robert William White, West Mids

DISTINCTION ON INHERITANCE TAX

The ‘countryside is up in arms’ now that the Labour Government proposes to change the inheritance tax laws.

However many supporting the farmers are supporting the political opposition who did not vote Labour in the last general election.

Perhaps those who oppose the changes in the inheritance tax laws should make a distinction between farmers who are land owners and land owners who are not farmers but have land to avoid taxation.

Farmers are essential and need supporting in every way possible but those who have land for financial gain should pay their taxes not hide behind the plight of hard-working farmers and their families.

Roger Norton, Shrewsbury

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