In this episode of Talking Grief, host Rainbow Tomes is joined by Martin Edwards, CEO of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience supporting families whose children have life-limiting conditions, Martin shares deep insights into how grief affects individuals, families, friendships and workplaces.

Together they explore the realities of bereavement, the importance of simply being present for someone who is grieving, and how employers can respond with greater understanding and flexibility.

Guest bio

Martin Edwards is CEO of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. He has spent over two decades working alongside families navigating the challenges of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition and supporting them through bereavement.

What we cover in this episode

• Why grief — especially after the death of a child — can isolate families

• The common fear people have of saying or doing “the wrong thing”

• How small acts of kindness and practical help can make a lasting difference

• The reality that grief is not linear or predictable

• Understanding grief triggers such as anniversaries, memories, smells or music

• Why workplaces need flexibility and compassion when supporting grieving employees

• The importance — and complexity — of peer support between bereaved families

• How children’s hospices provide whole-life support, not just end-of-life care

• The value of remembrance events in helping families honour and reconnect with memories of their child

Key insights

Grief is individual

No two people grieve in the same way. Comparing or judging grief based on personal experience can prevent meaningful support.

Presence matters more than words

Many grieving families say people withdraw because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. Martin emphasises that simply showing up, listening and offering practical help can be profoundly supportive.

Grief does not follow a timetable

Bereavement can resurface months or years later, often triggered by memories or significant dates. Understanding this can help workplaces and communities respond with empathy rather than expectation.

Support continues beyond death

Children’s hospices often build long-term relationships with families, offering respite, emotional support and opportunities to remember and celebrate a child’s life.

Memories can connect people

Events such as remembrance days can create natural opportunities for families at different stages of grief to support one another.