Loughborough University has worked with Treetops Hospice to launch a training resource for professionals supporting bereaved people.
The module is part of RealTalk, a communication programme which studies anonymised recordings of conversations from bereavement support settings.
It focuses on how people speak about loss and changing relationships after someone has died. The aim is to help professionals and trained volunteers respond sensitively, rather than follow a fixed script.
Dr Marco Pino, from Loughborough’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities, developed the training. He said the approach is grounded in what happens when bereaved people talk about their experiences.
The research looks at listening without judgement, encouraging reflection and recognising that people experience grief differently.
Sharan Harris-Christensen, head of clinical quality and education at Treetops, said sharing stories and connecting with people who have similar experiences is an important part of the charity’s work.
Alongside counselling, the Derbyshire hospice runs community Bereavement Hubs. These are not a formal counselling service but provide opportunities for people to meet and share experiences.
Treetops has been a licensed RealTalk delivery partner since 2022. Loughborough academics continue to help develop and evaluate the programme.
Further information about the programme is available through RealTalk and Treetops Hospice.