Your Compassionate Companion.
Emotional & Practical Bereavement Support.
In the weeks, months, and years after a person dies, we can be faced with difficult practical tasks, including sorting through their belongings.
Sometimes, we're forced to sort through our loved ones' things very quickly after their death and you may feel rushed to make decisions. You may need to clear their home as the landlord needs the property back, or perhaps the property needs to be emptied in order to be sold. You may come to this process years after your loved one's death as it felt too difficult to do it at the time.
For many people, the process of sorting a loved one's belongings can be a difficult experience. You may come across reminders their illness, such as medical equipment, medication, and hospital beds, or memories of their life and happy times. It can feel deeply painful to sort and get rid of their things.
During this time, a Compassionate Companion, by your side, who understands loss and grief, to offer emotional support and practical help, can be incredibly useful.
The Compassionate Companion Service
Developed in response to a need expressed by many bereaved people I meet, my Compassionate Companion Service is a unique approach to helping people navigate the sensitive task of sorting through their loved one's belongings after their death.
I understand the emotional and practical challenges that come with this sensitive time, and that this process is deeply intertwined with your grief.
Sometimes bereaved people call on house clearance services, professional organisers, or friends and family to help them sort their loved one's belongings. It can be extremely helpful to have the support of others during this often stressful time. However, I offer the additional benefit of a grief-informed and therapeutic approach.
The Compassionate Companion Service is designed to provide bespoke wellbeing support and practical, hands-on help with sorting that goes beyond just organisation and decluttering. Whilst this service is not therapy, it is deeply informed by a therapeutic understanding of grief.
The special value of Compassionate Companions lies in the integration of clinical grief expertise and the practical aspects of sorting your loved one's belongings with someone who 'gets it', ensuring the process is supported with compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism.
The Compassionate Companion Package of Support
Initial Consultation
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The process begins with a 1-hour virtual initial consultation. During this meeting, we will explore how you are, what you need to do, any specific challenges you're facing, and your hopes and goals for the process.
Plan Development
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Based on our discussions, I will develop a customised plan, outlining the steps we will take together. The plan may include specific things you’d like to focus on, and any additional support or resources you may need.
Compassionate Support
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On the day(s) of my visit, I act as your compassionate companion, beside you throughout, offering empathy and understanding as we navigate through the belongings and your memories together.
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It's ok if you are unsure where to start. We will work at your pace, with care and understanding. Belongings can symbolise deep emotional connections with the person who has died. Deciding what to let go and what to keep can be a complex process. I will support you to identify and preserve meaningful items, and help you navigate letting go of belongings if you need to, with sensitivity and patience. I will create a safe space for reflection, allowing you to share memories associated with the belongings we encounter.
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My approach is respectful, kind, and grief- and trauma-informed.
Practical Help
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I offer practical assistance throughout the sorting process, helping you make your decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard, remaining mindful of your grief and respecting the belongings and memory of your loved one.
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I keep track of the progress made during the visit, noting actions taken and any decisions you make. This documentation will be forwarded to you.
Follow-Up Call
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After the sorting day(s), we will have a follow-up call to check-in and see how you are.
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We can also explore ongoing or follow-up support options, such as periodic check-ins, therapy/counselling, or assistance with additional tasks related to organising, or arranging creative memory preservation sessions (such as support to create memory boxes, memory jars, memory frames, or remembrance teddies).
Get in Touch
If you are navigating the task of sorting through your loved one's belongings and could use a Compassionate Companion by your side, please get it touch.
Overview of Support:
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1-hour Initial Consultation
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Personalised Plan
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On-site emotional & practical support - at your home, your loved one's home, or storage facility
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Documentation of Progress
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Follow-Up Call
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Signposting to resources, information & additional support
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Support to create a memory box
Available England-wide
Please Note
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Bespoke packages are available. Please contact me for costs.
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On-location hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm.
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I do not dispose of charity or refuse items and I do not provide storage solutions and resources, but I can advise and support.
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I will risk assess locations in advance of my visit and throughout. I am unable to enter properties that could be a risk to my health & safety.
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Please note that whilst this service provides emotional support, it is not a replacement for therapy or counselling. This service offers emotional support and practical assistance during the process of sorting belongings and preserving memories after a bereavement.