As NHS Lanarkshire approaches the recently announced Bank Holiday for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Paul Graham, Head of Spiritual Care & Wellbeing, would like to offer comfort and support to staff currently experiencing or being reminded of their own grief and loss.
A death can bring up our own experiences of bereavement, and it is perhaps reasonable for the ongoing media coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and funeral to intensify our own thoughts. This can make things difficult for those of us who are already feeling vulnerable, and it’s ok to take a break from the news especially if it makes us feel very sad or anxious.
It may be difficult to see others so deeply affected by Queen Elizabeth II’s death, particularly if we’re reflecting on a personal bereavement of our own.
Paul Graham, Head of Spiritual Care & Wellbeing said:
“As we recognise the significance of Queen Elizabeth II’s death over the coming weeks we also acknowledge that many of us will be reminded of losses and change in our own lives. May we find ways to uphold those memories gently for ourselves and each other. These moments offer us the gift of remembering what it means to be human.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed there is support available to you. Please reach out, you are not alone.
- Bereavement Support is available at Cruse: 0808 808 1677
- Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety and offers a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information: 0800 83 85 87
- Talk to the Samaritans. Call free on 116 123
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources – Lanarkshire | Elament
- https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/
- Lanarkshire Bereavement Care Line 01698 751040
- Lanarkshire Staff Care 24 Hour Helpline: 01698 752000
- Your Health Matters website
A member of staff has shared this poem by Rabbie Burns to offer comfort to colleagues who may need it at this time:
My Heart’s In The Highlands
My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.
Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.
Farewell to the mountains, high-cover’d with snow,
Farewell to the straths and green vallies below;
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods,
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.
My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.
