Talking about Bereavement

What can Bridget Jones teach us about Bereavement? In Conversation with Helen Fielding

In this special episode of the podcast that was recorded at the PSD Scotland Bereavement Education Conference 2025, Lynne Innes talks to Helen Fielding, Novelist, Screenwriter and Journalist, best known as the creator of Bridget Jones.

Helen reflects on how she approached writing about bereavement – highlighting that grief is not a linear process but something that can be messy and intertwined with everyday life. Through Bridget’s story, Helen explores how people can move in and out of sadness whilst often finding moments of humour, connection and joy alongside loss.

The discussion highlights the importance of community, emphasising that coping with grief isn’t about ‘getting it right’ but about staying connected to others and allowing space for imperfection. Helen also shares personal insights that shaped the story, including her own experiences of loss.

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of What can Bridget Jones teach us about Bereavement? In Conversation with Helen Fielding episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of PSD Scotland. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

Building confidence rather than perfection

In this episode, Dr Clare Tucker talks to Dr Erin Thompson, Founder and Director, Loss Foundation / Clinical Psychologist who shares how her personal experience of loss led her to found The Loss Foundation – the UK’s only charity specialising in support for people bereaved by cancer. Erin shares how health and social care staff can build confidence rather than seek perfection when talking to those who are bereaved. Erin highlights the importance of acknowledgement, honest conversations and the value of group-based support.  

Please visit The Loss Foundation website for further information. 

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of Building confidence rather than perfection episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of PSD Scotland. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

Bereavement, loss and grief: A whole school approach

In this episode, Lynne Innes talks to Ainsley McGoldrick, Depute Principal Educational Psychologist, East Renfrewshire Council and Karen Wynne, Deputy Head Teacher, St. Joseph’s Primary School who discuss their collaborative work to improve how schools support children, families, and staff through bereavement, loss and grief. They describe developing comprehensive, age‑appropriate resources and training that shift schools from reactive responses to a proactive, compassionate approach by embedding bereavement education into everyday school life. 

If you would like more information on the lessons discussed in this episode, please email ainsley.mcgoldrick@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk. 

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of Bereavement, loss and grief: A whole school approach episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

Replacing Judgement with Compassion: Supporting Families Bereaved by Alcohol and Drug Related Deaths

In this episode, Dr Clare Tucker talks to Rachel Weir, Senior National Family Support Practitioner, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs who discusses supporting families bereaved by alcohol and drug related deaths. Rachel highlights the importance of replacing judgement with compassion and how stigma and language can impact grief and bereavement. Rachel also shares that bereavement support is preventative.

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of Replacing Judgement with Compassion: Supporting Families Bereaved by Alcohol and Drug Related Deaths episode which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

'You don’t need to know the right words - anything’s better than silence’

In this episode, Lynne Innes talks to Mark Evans, Head of Service for Spiritual Care and Bereavement Services, NHS Lothian / Professional Advisor for Spiritual Care, Scottish Government who reflects on his own personal loss and how this loss reshaped his understanding of grief. Mark discusses ‘bereavement as a kaleidoscope’, the importance of simply ‘being there’ and how we often overlook that the person who is dying is also grieving.

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of 'You don’t need to know the right words - anything’s better than silence’ episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

Building communities within a care home setting

In this episode, Lynne Innes talks to Alyson Vale, Business and Operations Director, Abbotsford Care. Alyson discusses how to encourage conversations around dying in a care home and the importance of relationship-centred environments. Alyson also shares how supporting staff is just as important as supporting the people you care for. 

Access the resources mentioned in this podcast:

• Life Cafe
• Grave Talk Cards
• Working out what's right for you - Starter card set

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of Building communities within a care home setting episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

They may forget what's said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel: A paramedic's perspective

In this episode, Dr Clare Tucker talks to Ruth Fisher, lecturer in paramedic science, Queen Margaret University about supporting those who are bereaved in an out of hospital context. Ruth reflects on her 10 years as a paramedic and supporting students dealing with death and bereavement in the course of their work. Ruth also shares how it's okay to be okay as much as it's okay to not be okay.

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of the They may forget what you’ve said, but they will never forget how you made them feel: Perspectives from a paramedic episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form.

Holding Stories, Holding Space: A Healthcare Chaplain’s Reflections on Grief

In this episode, Lynne Innes talks to Suzanne Roberts, a Healthcare Chaplain, about the role of chaplaincy in supporting people through grief and bereavement, focusing on the importance of listening and holding space. Suzanne reflects on her journey from journalism to chaplaincy, highlighting how attentiveness to stories and presence translates into spiritual care.

During this episode, reference is made to NHS Education for Scotland’s Spiritual Care: A multi-faith resource for healthcare staff.

This podcast deals with issues related to death and bereavement and was created for health and social care staff. Caution is advised as some may find the themes upsetting. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the podcast transcript.

Access a transcript of the Holding Stories, Holding Space: A Healthcare Chaplain’s Reflections on Grief episode, which can be found on our website.

Please note the views and perspectives expressed by guests on the podcast do not necessarily represent those of NES. The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.

Let us know what you think about our podcast by completing the Talking About Bereavement feedback form