SIBBS Newsletter Summer 2022

SIBBS Newsletter, Summer 2022 | www.tcf.org.uk 6 • Bereavement is different for everyone. There were lots of commonalities between participant experiences but also lots of differences. Even two siblings from the same family had alternative perspectives and stories to share. Thus, general provision can be of benefit but scope to account for these individual variations is ideal. • Bereavement is a lifelong experience. Feelings of grief may come and go but bereavement will always require management over a lifetime. For siblings, this may arise at key moments that would ordinarily be shared with a brother or sister, such as getting married or having children, or much later in life when decisions around caring for elderly parents are being made. Recognising and preparing people for the longevity of their experience is essential. • Bereavement is still a difficult topic of conversation. It is essential that the public’s relationship with death, dying and bereavement becomes more open so that people can speak comfortably about it, should they wish to. Additional educational events and workshops which build upon the growth of awareness raising ventures, such as Dying Matters Awareness Week, could make a difference by helping to reduce the discomfort surrounding bereavement. Summary of Central Themes and Findings The bullet points listed above provide a very brief snapshot of the research. In contrast, this section offers a more detailed summary of findings, exploring the key themes that were discussed in the study. After analysing all of the interview transcripts, it was clear that relationships, identity and time were central topics within the research. Below is an extended summary of each of these themes: Relationships People’s experiences of grief and bereavement are highly influenced by their relationships with both the living and the dead. Participants spoke at length about their relationships with surviving family members, such as parents, but often reflected on their sibling