Grief First Aid

The Grief First Aid Workshop equips participants with the tools and confidence to better understand grief and how it affects mental health. This short course explores the wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical responses to grief, both expected and unexpected, and helps participants feel more prepared when supporting someone through loss.

This workshop is ideal for anyone working in people-facing roles or environments where grief and bereavement may arise, including employers, managers, mental health champions, educators, support workers, and caring professionals.

What can I expect from the Grief First Aid Workshop?

Grief First Aid is about recognising the many ways grief can manifest and understanding how it overlaps with common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Participants will explore practical, compassionate ways to support those who are grieving, including how to listen without judgement, set healthy boundaries, and signpost appropriately.

This workshop does not offer therapy but creates a safe and inclusive environment where participants can reflect on their own emotional resilience and learn how to respond to grief with sensitivity and care.

Participants will:

• Understand Grief and Its Forms
  Learn about different types of grief, including anticipatory and complicated grief, and key models of grief.
• Recognise the Impact of Grief
  Identify the emotional, physical and psychological effects of grief and how they can vary between individuals.
• Explore the Link Between Grief and Mental Health
  Understand how grief can overlap with conditions such as anxiety and depression, and when additional support may be needed.
• Support with Confidence
  Learn how to engage in compassionate conversations and provide meaningful support to those who are grieving.
• Develop Listening Skills
  Practice active listening and non-judgemental communication when speaking with someone experiencing loss.
• Know What to Avoid
  Recognise common unhelpful responses and develop strategies to offer support without causing harm or discomfort.
• Set Healthy Boundaries
  Explore how to protect your own wellbeing while supporting others and avoid emotional burnout.
• Signpost to Professional Help
  Gain confidence in knowing when and how to refer someone to further or specialist support services.

Are there any entry requirements for this Grief First Aid course?

There are no formal entry requirements for this workshop. It is open to individuals from any role or background, especially those supporting others personally or professionally through bereavement or loss.

This includes:

• Employees
• Team Leaders & Managers
• HR Professionals
• Educators
• Support Staff
• Volunteers
• Mental Health Champions
• Anyone with an interest in understanding grief

How is the Grief First Aid Workshop assessed?

This is a non-assessed awareness course. There is no exam or formal test. Learning is achieved through:

• Group discussion
• Instructor-led activities
• Case study examples
• Personal reflection

Participants are encouraged to take part in a supportive environment, but there is no pressure to share personal experiences.

Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants receive:

• Certificate of Attendance: Formal recognition of participation in the Grief First Aid Workshop
• Monthly Awareness Webinars: Free live sessions each month revisiting mental health and grief-related topics
• Dedicated Email Support: Continued guidance from experienced instructors on signposting, boundary-setting, and managing grief-related matters