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Bereavement support

The death of a loved one at any time can be extremely distressing.  Experiencing a bereavement during the coronavirus outbreak is likely to be even more so.  You may not have been able to see or say goodbye to your loved ones. As social distancing is in place, the way you usually grieve or get comfort from friends, family and colleagues may have changed.  The outbreak may also have meant that your loved one may not have had the kind of funeral you would have wanted.

 

Grief

Grief is a normal process and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.  Everyone’s grief is unique to them.  There are a number of feelings that people may experience, including; shock, disbelief anger, guilt and intense sadness.  These types of feelings are ‘normal’ when you are grieving and it is important to give yourself permission to do so.  

 

Ways you can support yourself

Where possible find ways, with those closest to your loved one, to remember them. If holding a funeral is not possible, organise a time to connect virtually using the telephone or video conferencing.  You may wish to come together virtually to say a prayer, read a poem that describes how you are feeling, or share memories of the person. If this isn’t possible, listen to a special piece of music or write a letter to mark saying good bye. Remember that a service of remembrance can be held once this coronavirus outbreak is over.

 

Share your feelings with friends and relatives.  If you don’t have anyone to talk to there are organisations that will support you during this time. It may help to talk to the person who has died. Sometimes having a picture or an object that you helps you feels closer to them can be reassuring.

 

Importantly, please don’t struggle alone. There are many organisations who offer support to adults and children locally and nationally online, over the phone or by video. Below are some useful videos, information and links.

 

 

 

Here some videos you may find helpful:

Dr Tamily Duggan from CWPT talking about bereavement support

How do you help a grieving friend?

The Phases of Grief - understanding bereavement

Coping with bereavement // The Missing Piece

The Grieving Process: Coping with Death

Useful links and reads

Coventry City Council's COVID-19 (Coronavirus) bereavement information:  Bereavement_Information_Document.pdf [pdf] 6MB  and  Bereavement_leaflet.pdf [pdf] 306KB Warwickshire County Council's Support for people bereaved during COVID-19 Pandemic:  Support for people bereaved during COVID-19 Pandemic.pdf [pdf] 204KB

Cruse Bereavement Centre provides information and support for anyone experiencing grief or bereavement – more information can be found here. The Dear Life website offers advice, local professional services, and resources where people have been affected by the death of someone by suicide - more information can be found here. Dying Matters raising awareness of dying, death and bereavement – more information can be found here. Age UK provides a wide range of advice and support, including at the end of life – more information can be found here Myton Bereavement Services – more information can be found here Bereavement support specifically for Children and Young People:  Hope Again a service for young people living after bereavement – more information can be found here. Winston’s Wish provides therapeutic support – more information can be found here. Rainbow Ripples for children affected by the illness and death of a close family member – more information can be found here.

Access to relevant services we offer: Coventry and Warwickshire Improving Access to Psychological Therapy Service (providing support to patients with anxiety and depression) – more information can be found here. Recovery and Wellbeing Academy (providing a range of courses provided online and offline aimed to the general public about mental health and wellbeing) – more information can be found here. If you find yourself in a mental health crisis and require urgent support – more information can be found here. If you would like more information about mental health services for children and young people – more information can be found here.