A bereavement charity is offering support to those struggling with loss over the festive period.

Butterflies Bereavement Support, based in Eastleigh, has provided tips for dealing with grief during Christmas.

The charity's recommendations include planning ahead and setting clear expectations with family and friends.

This comes as the charity is gearing up for a series of fundraising events in the coming weeks.

These events will help sustain its operations after surviving a cash-flow crisis in the summer.

The charity says the only way to avoid Christmas is to "hide away", while loved ones may have other ideas.

This can lead to conflict, the charity warns, and suggests starting to think about how to spend the festive period now.

This could include deciding whether to maintain old traditions or try something new.

If opting for a change, Butterflies encourages people to develop a detailed plan and ensure loved ones are aware.

It suggests deciding on small details, like whether to lay an empty place at the table, or have a bucks fizz with breakfast in memory and toast all those who will not be present with you.

Another key piece of advice is for families to understand that everyone grieves differently.

Normal arrangements may need to change, and the charity encourages families to be supportive and make the most of the occasion.

The charity, which survived a cash-flow crisis in the summer with the support of local communities, is also undertaking fundraising events over the next few weeks.

Butterflies has launched a unique Christmas card, available in physical and electronic versions.

The cards can be found online at dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/butterflies-bereavement-support.

A table-top sale is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, from 10am to 12 noon at the Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh.

A few tables are still available. To find out more go to, bflies.org.uk/home/upcoming-table-top-sale-eastleigh.

More information can be found on the charity's website or by calling 02381 550066.