Let’s talk bereaveMENt: Why focusing on bereaved men matters
Our inquest team specialise in working with bereaved families to try and get answers as to why their loved one has died and, where appropriate, seek accountability for any errors or omissions that may have led to their death.
Our team work with and support the charity 2wish, who provide support to anyone affected by the sudden or unexpected death of a child or young person.
They have a specific campaign focusing on how men experience grief and bereavement differently. In this piece, I hand the pen over to Adam Bate from 2wish to talk more about their campaign and why it is so important.
The death of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Through its annual Let’s Talk BereaveMENt campaign, 2wish aims to shine a light on the often-overlooked experiences of fathers and other bereaved men, encouraging open conversations about grief and ensuring that no one feels they have to face loss alone.
2wish was founded following the tragic loss of founder Rhian Mannings’ one-year-old son, George, in 2012. Just five days later, her husband Paul died by suicide, overwhelmed by the grief and guilt he was carrying. Rhian has spoken openly about how this experience highlighted the urgent need for bereavement support, particularly for men who may feel unable to express their emotions or seek help.
The Let’s Talk BereaveMENt campaign was created to challenge the stereotypes that often surround male grief. Men frequently feel as though they need to be strong, stoic and focused on supporting others during times of tragedy. While these expectations can stem from societal norms, generational examples, or any number of nuanced factors and influences, these expectations can leave bereaved men feeling they must hide their own pain or unable to articulate their emotions. As a result, many men can become isolated in their grief and less likely to access professional support.
Throughout the campaign, 2wish shares the stories of bereaved fathers and men who have experienced the sudden death of a child or young person. Their testimonies consistently reveal a common theme: many men struggle to talk about what they are feeling and often suffer in silence.
However, these stories also demonstrate the power of support. Men featured in the campaign have spoken about the life-changing impact of counselling, peer support and simply being given permission to talk honestly about their grief. By hearing from others who have faced similar experiences, bereaved fathers can feel less alone and more able to seek help.
One of the key lessons 2wish has learned is that there is no ‘right’ way for men to grieve. Some men want to talk openly, while others may process their emotions through activity, routine, practical tasks or spending time with people who understand their experience. The important thing is recognising that grief looks different for everyone and creating opportunities for support without judgement or pressure.
At its heart, Let’s Talk BereaveMENt is about ensuring bereaved men know that they do not have to carry their grief alone. By challenging stigma, encouraging conversations and providing access to specialist support, 2wish hopes to help fathers and families navigate the unimaginable reality of losing a child while reminding them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You can learn more about 2wish’s Let’s Talk bereavement campaign here.
And watch the campaign video here.
Adam Bate, Head of Marketing and Communications at 2Wish.
