I found this Article by Nancy Collamer and It is very pertinent when it comes to friends or relative that have lost their job. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say or what to do to help. Well this is good advice.
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Nancy Collamer
It’s hard to know what to say and do for a friend who has lost a job. Nancy Collamer, career coach, former human resources director and author of The Layoff Survival Guide (available as an e-book at www.layoffsurvivalguide.com), shares some do’s and don’ts…
Remember your role. Friends are there to be encouraging and supportive and to provide an ear for conversation, not to fix things. Those who have lost their jobs may feel that they’ve lost control of their lives. They need time to come to terms with job loss, so you must walk the delicate line between being helpful and trying to take charge.
When the time seems right, ask how you can help. If your friend has no specific requests, keep your eyes and ears open for useful information and contacts. Being laid off may result in an initial outpouring of support for your friend, but this will dwindle over time. People who have been out of work for a while may feel isolated. Offer them the opportunity to get out of the house — perhaps a potluck dinner or a video night at your home.
Beware of being overly generous. A laid-off friend may feel uncomfortable if you pay the full tab at a restaurant. Instead, find a reason to treat him/her, say, to a bottle of wine to “toast new beginnings.”
Give your friend an opportunity to shine. If he plays tennis better than you, make a tennis date. If she is a computer whiz, ask for technology help (so long as it is not obvious). Or invite him to volunteer with you — it may give him a feeling of accomplishment. Especially in the early days after a layoff, emotions can be raw. Your friend may be more sensitive, more impatient and less tactful than usual. Don’t take it personally. This, too, will pass.
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