Funeral director's activity book helps people to navigate their grief journey

Published on: Monday, 28th November 2022
Support Erewash Sound
Fay and Michael

A firm of funeral directors with an office in Erewash has published a new book to help adults come to terms with losing a loved one.

‘Missing You’ was written by Wathall’s bereavement support coordinator and qualified counsellor Fay Bloor, and illustrated by University of Derby graduate and freelance illustrator Michael Ashley.

Fay and Michael first collaborated to create ‘Missing Someone Special – working your way through loss’, which was published last year, aimed at children and young people who have suffered a bereavement.

The latest book aims to offer the same standard of in-home support, but relevant to adults.

It includes a section dispelling common myths around grief, explanations on why people may be experiencing certain feelings and mixed emotions and suggests practical ways to help, such as filling out a journal or simple ways to commemorate loved ones.

Fay Bloor, who runs Wathall’s award-winning Dandelions Bereavement Support service, explained: “We have had very positive feedback to the children’s bereavement activity book and many families then asked if we could do something similar to help adults navigate their grief journey.

“There is still such a taboo around talking about death and the complex emotions surrounding grief, that I wanted to create something that would help people better understand, and feel less alone in, their own feelings and provide an outlet for them to write down their own experiences as part of the healing process.

“Michael has created beautiful illustrations for the book which perfectly set the gentle and calming tone of the book.

“I am also particularly grateful for the members of our own Dandelions bereavement support groups for contributing their own experiences and emotions, which I am sure will help others come to terms with their grief.”

To order a copy of either or both of the activity books, please click on this link, telephone Wathall’s on 01332 345268; email fay.bloor @ wathalls.co.uk  or visit the Borrowash branch.

For more information about Fay Bloor, visit www.faybloor.com and for more information about Michael Ashley, click here.

Share this story:

Tell us YOUR news...

If there's something happening in your area that matters to you and feel that the rest of the borough needs to know about it, tell US about it.