Richard Arnold urges people to help grief stricken friends in Blue January

06 January 2024 , 23:45

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The GMB host said he still struggles processing his father's death from illness (Image: ITV)

Good Morning Britain host Richard Arnold says we should do more to help grief-stricken friends and family during so-called Blue January.

The 51-year-old, who lost his dad Dave in 2016, said the post-Christmas period was one of the hardest times of the year.

It comes as bereavement charity Sue Ryder said it expects this month to be its busiest January on record. The organisation expects to help over a quarter of a million Brits - more than double the number it supported this time last year.

‌Richard, an ambassador for Sue Ryder, says he still struggles processing his father's death from illness, while also caring for his mum Dot.

‌Richard said: “Years later, the hole is still there but your world gets bigger. The loss has become increasingly poignant the past year because each day, after Good Morning Britain, I head to my Mum’s and care for her.

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Sue Ryder said it expects this month to be its busiest January on record (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

“It was always just the three of us and now we are navigating, like so many, the next chapter."

‌A survey by Sue Ryder found that 61% of people who have experienced a loss say January is one of the most difficult months of the year. This figure rises to 71% among young people.

‌Richard urged people to keep talking about loved ones who have died to keep their memories alive. He said: “A simple text may seem inadequate when those around you struggle to find the words. I welcomed them and would read them to mum.

“For me, I loved it when people said my dad's name - it was like my old man was still with us!"

Sue Ryder was founded in 1953 to help people living with grief or approaching the end of their lives. It provides palliative care, counselling and online forums for people who are grieving.

Bianca Neumann, head of bereavement at Sue Ryder, said: “The societal pressure of New Year’s resolutions, the financial strain following Christmas, the darker nights and people socialising less, can be attributed to people feeling lonelier and more isolated in their grief.

“This is a time when people may need additional support more than ever.”

Ben Turner