What practical help can I offer?
Life Challenges | Supporting Others Who Are Grieving
Counsellor: Alessandra
Published: 17 Apr 2026

Grief can affect people in very different ways, and there is no timeline or right way to respond.

So when someone is grieving, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.

So practical help can make a real difference.

Offering support is often about being present and easing small pressures where you can.

And if you are unsure what to do or feel worried about saying the wrong thing, just pause and take a slow breath in through your nose and then out through your mouth.

And just gently remind yourself that you don't need to fix the grief, and being calm, steady and available is already helpful.

And it can help to focus on doing rather than just saying something.

So grief can make decision making and energy levels drop.

So offering specific practical help is often easier to accept than general offers.

So for example, suggesting you drop off a meal, help with childcare, or go for a short walk together, let the person lead where possible and listen without trying to change how they feel.

If they want to talk, give them that space.

If they don't, then sitting in quiet company can still feel supportive.

Also, you can think about small manageable ways to support day-to-day life.

So you might help with shopping, cooking, school runs, or admin tasks.

Keep messages simple and consistent like checking in every few days and remember important dates such as anniversaries, as these can be especially hard.

And it can also help to gently encourage routines like eating regularly, getting some fresh air or resting.

And if you are close to the person, you can offer to help them reach out to others so they don't have to carry things along.

Now if a person seems stuck in intense distress, is withdrawn completely or is struggling to cope day to day over a longer period, it may be helpful to encourage extra support.

This could be through a GP, bereavement service, or a therapist, and you can also offer to help them make that appointment or go with them if they feel a bit unsure about it.

And you can refer back to the app's resources for further support around grief and loss and supporting others who are grieving.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or crisis helpline.