Christmas is a time when friends and families come together to celebrate.  However, for some this time of year can be difficult if they are reminded that a loved one is not around anymore. Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man offers help all year round, but Christmas is a time when the charity’s support can be particular important to those missing loved ones.

Amanda Cafearo, Manager at Cruse Bereavement Care, has this advice: “At a time like Christmas, the pressure to be happy and joyful can be overwhelming and the last thing you want to do. Give yourself space and let people know how you are feeling. Step away from the celebrations should you need to and let yourself feel sad. Feeling sad is natural at this time. In fact, it is normal at this time for you to have a mixture of feelings such as sadness, guilt, and/or happiness. If you can, talk to someone about your feelings, talking can really help at a time when things are most difficult. As you approach Christmas without your loved one think about how you can bring happy memories of them in to your Christmas. You could perhaps purchase a special decoration in their memory and place it on your tree, make a special toast for them over dinner, or light a candle. You may decide to forget Christmas for this year and that’s fine. If you do not feel like taking part in the celebrations let people know this is how you feel.”

Cruse exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to help anyone suffering bereavement caused by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. There is no time limit on how long grief lasts, you can turn to Cruse at any time.

If you need support you can:

Call the charity’s helpline: 01624 668191

Visit the Cruse website www.cruseisleofman.org or www.cruse.org.uk

Helpline opening hours over Christmas and New Year 2012/13:

Open Christmas Eve 9am – 12pm
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day *
Open Thursday 27th 9am – 12pm and 7pm - 9pm
Closed 28th, 29th and 30th December*
Open 31st December 9am – 12pm
Closed New Years Day (1st January 2013)*

Normal hours resume on Tuesday 2nd January 2013
Monday to Thursday between: 9am – 12pm and 7pm – 9pm

*Although the Helpline is closed, messages will be picked up and callers will be responded to within 24 hours.

Other useful numbers: Samaritans  - 663399 or 0345 909090