A new service and publications have recently been launched to support those who are experiencing and suffering from bereavement and loss during the coronavirus pandemic.
The new Bereavement Support Service will be run by Shropshire Council and community voluntary partners Samaritans, Cruse Bereavement Care, Severn Hospice and Crane Quality Counselling, and will include a dedicated number for people to call to seek help and support.
This service is centred on what the person needs to help them through their difficult time. First, a skilled customer services adviser will listen and then assist the person to identify the help available from the council’s own services, so that providing what a person needs is made as simple as possible through this single contact.
Then, when the practical help has been set in motion, the adviser will help them to choose the right counselling support service for them, and will make the referral through to our voluntary sector partners. An adviser will also make further contact with the person at a later date to make sure things are working as they should.
Two new publications have also been produced to complement the service:-
Grief and bereavement during COVID-19 support booklet:
- Providing a compassionate overview of coping with loss, feelings that may be experienced, supporting others who are grieving, and links to local and national help and information.
Bereavement practical guide and checklist:
- Providing an overview of the processes following a death, and what has changed during due to the pandemic. This includes a step-by-step checklist to help identify what steps need to be taken, why this is important and how to do so/who to contact. This document will be provided alongside the above bereavement support booklet.
The line is available for anyone with questions or queries, or looking for support and guidance. By ringing you can find out abut the free and confidential bereavement services available, and you will receive support to arrange an appointment or get in touch directly. They can provide you with a one off conversation or a number of more in-depth sessions over a period of time.
The guides are available by clicking on the links below:
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/media/15135/sc-covid-19-grief-support-a5-jun20-final21.pdf
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/media/15134/sc-covid-19-checklist-a5-may20-final31.pdf
As well as the emotional challenges, there are many practical considerations related to dealing with a death. When coping with all of this at a time of isolation and concern for others it is natural to need support, a listening ear and possibly some ongoing support. COVID-19 presents additional challenges to the process of grieving and bereavement.
You can access the new bereavement service by calling the Shropshire Council COVID-19 Helpline number on 0345 678 9028
To read comments on the available new service made by Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health and Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, click on the link below: https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/06/bereavement-pandemic/