During the coronavirus outbreak we are facing a tragic loss of lives, often under very difficult circumstances.
Being bereaved can be a lonely time and being physically isolated from family and friends can make it more difficult.
Support and advice is available
There are no right or wrong ways to feel. In the aftermath of a death it is common for emotions to change very quickly, like stormy weather. Most people experience a whole range of different emotions at different times. You may have times when you feel you have more energy and your grief is not consuming.
Being bereaved and coping with grief during the coronavirus outbreak is different to coping in normal circumstances in important ways. Your emotions may be more intense or more changeable because of these additional stresses. You may find you feel more of a sense of community and empathy from other people, as many people will be going through a similar experience.
You can find more information and advice about bereavement in the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s leaflet ‘Coping with Coronavirus Bereavement’, which forms part of a series to support people with their mental wellbeing at this time.
Support during your bereavement journey
In Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire charities, NHS and local authority partners are working together to offer bereavement support across the county.
Cruse Bereavement Care Bucks
Cruse Bereavement Care Bucks offers support to anyone suffering loss by death and can be contacted on 01494 511117 alternatively the National Hotline 0808 808 1677 or visit www.cruse.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK offers support for families and professionals when a child of any age dies or when a child grieves. Please call our helpline on 08000288840 or email support@childbereavementuk.org
Information and live chat on the website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Bereavement Listening and Support Service
Bereavement Listening and Support Service offers bereavement support to anyone registered with a Buckinghamshire GP (based at Florence Nightingale Hospice). Please call: 01296 332600 or email bht.fnh.bereavement@nhs.net
South Bucks Counselling
South Bucks Counselling offers support In High Wycombe and South Bucks area for adults faced with bereavement: 01494 440199 or www.southbuckscounselling.org
Relate
Relate offers counselling support to individuals, couples and families where relationships have been affected by grief and loss: www.relate.org.uk or 01296 427 973
Buckinghamshire MIND
Buckinghamshire MIND provides counselling to adults with a wide range of mental health needs including bereavement. We also support adults, children/young people and families who have lost someone to suicide or suspected suicide. Please call 01494 463364 or visit www.bucksmind.org.uk
Lindengate@Home
Lindengate@Home is for anyone who is suffering with the effects of COVID-19 or social isolation: 01296 622 443 or www.lindengate.org.uk
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides NHS mental health services in Buckinghamshire for children, adults and older adults. These services will be helpful for those experiencing complex grief or trauma.
Contact Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline on NHS 111
For adults feeling low, anxious or stressed, call Bucks Talking Therapies on 01865 901600 or visit:
www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/bucks-talking-therapies
National support
Compassionate Friends
Compassionate Friends is a charitable organisation dedicated to the support and care of bereaved family members: 0345 123 2304 or www.tcf.org.uk
Independent Age
Independent Age provides information and advice on a range of subjects including welfare, legal and financial help: 0800 319 6789 or www.independentage.org/information/personal-life/when-someone-dies
Marie Curie
Marie Curie provides information on a range of issues including practical, legal and financial. Please call 0800 090 2309 or visit
www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends
At a Loss
At a Loss has a website with useful bereavement resources: www.ataloss.org
National Bereavement Partnership
A new charity has been set up that is designed to help people and families affected by the coronavirus. Their purpose is to provide a helpline for all individuals who need to speak to someone in these very uncertain and emotional times, when their loved ones may be ill in hospital or have sadly died.
www.nationalbereavementpartnership.org
Emotional and practical support following suicide
Help is at hand guide
Help is at Hand provides people affected by suicide with both emotional and practical support.
www.gov.uk/government/news/you-are-not-alone-help-is-at-hand-for-anyone-bereaved-by-suicide
Support after suicide
What happens next
UK Government
When someone in the UK dies, information about what needs to happen next can be found at www.gov.uk/after-a-death
Leaflet
Download our leaflet on all of the above services and resources.
Stay well
Whatever you are doing, remember to take the recommended health advice to stay well physically.
Go to trusted websites for advice such as GOV.UK and NHS.UK on how to reduce transmission and protect the vulnerable.
For more ideas, visit Mental Health Matters’ guide to Mental wellbeing while staying at home.
