5 Ways to Support a Grieving Friend
There's no one single best thing to do when a loved one or friend is experiencing grief — everyone's experience will be deeply personal and unique to them and their circumstances.
Grief can be unexpected, raw and deeply unsettling. As a supporter, we know it's hard to know quite what to do when we see those we love going through some of the hardest times.
Throughout our years of experience helping people connect with and support their loved ones during life's challenges, we've noticed a few gentle ways to offer support to a grieving friend that we thought might come in helpful, should you find yourself walking alongside someone through this time.
Take Them Simple, Nourishing Meals
During times of grief, they might not have much of an appetite, but it will be important for them to keep eating for strength and nourishment.
You might want to consider taking or sending them a meal, perhaps split into smaller portions, or something for the freezer. Even snacks can be helpful — to share with visitors, or to save for later when the time is right to eat.
Offer Simple Acts of Service
Often when we ask "what can I do to help?", our loved ones won't know quite what to say, or won't want to impose.
Rather than asking, we would gently suggest preparing what you think they might need and quietly helping out. For example:
- Dropping a meal quietly on the doorstep
- Sending an unexpected care package
- Leaving flowers
- Popping on a load of laundry
- Doing a grocery run
These simple acts of service can help your loved ones feel seen, without them always needing to ask.
Be There to Listen and Share
Processing grief often comes in the form of sharing memories of loved ones.
Being there — whether in person, on the phone, or even by text message — so they can share what is on their heart can help so much throughout the grieving process. Likewise, you might share your own memories of their loved one.
You don't always need to have the right thing to say back. Just being there to listen is what counts.
Keep in Touch and Follow Up
Over the coming months and even years, please don't avoid talking or asking about their grief.
Keep asking how they are doing, even when it seems like a long time has passed. You can be sure they will still be processing their grief for years to come, long after the cards and flowers have stopped arriving.
When More Support Is Needed
Sometimes a friend needs more than any of us can offer, and that's okay too. If you feel someone is struggling, it can help to gently share what's available rather than suggesting they need help.
In Australia, Griefline and Lifeline both offer free, confidential support, and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement has resources for families and workplaces.
Sending Something From Afar
If you can't be there in person, a sympathy care package can be a quiet way to show up.
Ours are delivered across Melbourne with handmade meals, fresh baking and a handwritten card from our Angels — something practical for the days when cooking feels like far too much.
We hope this little round-up of ideas has helped give you some suggestions for supporting a grieving friend. Trust us in saying that even by asking this question, you are already being a wonderful friend, and we know they will be so grateful to have you in their life.