A company near York is helping firms, schools and other employers cope with bereavement.

Jacqueline Gunn of Pocklington last year launched Workplace Bereavement Advocacy last year, noting a lack of bereavement support within schools and workplaces following the death of her father in 2018.

Jacqueline is an ex-Humberside firefighter, gym instructor and house manager of a country estate and founder of bereavement charity Talking About Loss.

She said: “Not everyone had a supportive employer as I did, some people told me no-one acknowledged the death of a loved one, some companies asked for sick notes for the extra days off.

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"One employer did not allow staff to go to funerals unless it was immediate family. I knew I needed to do more to support people in the workplace, schools and organisations.”

(Image: Pic supplied)

Her company, which employs ten and operates nationally, operates four training programmes. They cover workplace bereavement for the corporate world and three schemes aimed at helping young children and those who work with them.

Jacqueline says her firm has devised the courses, which include bereavement training within workplaces, schools, and organisations with continued wrap-around support post-training.

She has planned events at the Principal Hotel, York, on Monday October 14 and Monday October 21. They are the Northern Bereavement and Loss Conference for Children and Young People and the Northern Workplace Bereavement and Loss Conference,

Experts from the sector will speak including Alan Koster, senior researcher at the National Centre for Grief, flying in from Norway for the 21st to speak on the pain of grief.

The event of the 14th will feature Richard McCann who will share his childhood experience of going into the care system, after the death of his Mum, killed by Peter Sutcliffe.

Jacqueline said: “We have a wealth of knowledge and lived experiences at both events.

“We want to raise awareness about grief and break down the barriers on a taboo subject, which will touch us all.”

The event on October 21The event on October 21 (Image: Pic supplied)

“Imagine a world where companies, schools, retailers, and even sports coaches feel confident and equipped to speak with someone who has experienced a loss. A world where bereaved people don’t feel isolated because others are uncomfortable to share or listen.

“It’s about shifting the culture, giving people the tools to confidently have those sensitive conversations, and creating a space where bereaved people know they are seen, heard, and supported. When leaders across industries – whether it’s a manager, teacher, cashier, or coach – feel empowered to engage with empathy and understanding, it can make all the difference.

“It turns grief into something we no longer shy away from but instead meet with compassion and open hearts. Let’s work together to break the silence around grief.”

For details go to: www.workplacebereavement.co.uk