Co-op Funeralcare calls on govt for better bereavement support

Co-op Funeralcare has written to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to implement the UK Bereavement’s Commission’s recommendations in their manifestos ahead of the General Election. 

This comes in response to research findings from the funeral service group, which revealed that almost 40 million adults in the UK have experienced the bereavement of someone close to them during the past five years.

The research, which was conducted by YouGov, also found that 43% of these adults experienced very sudden bereavement periods – an increase of 4% compared with 2018. 

Meanwhile, 49% of those who have lost a loved one due to an expected death said that the nature of the death meant they were able to prepare. The 43% who have experienced a sudden bereavement during the past five years sadly did not have this time to prepare for their loss or anticipate the consequent grief.

The UK’s Bereavement Commission has reported that 40% of those who wanted formal bereavement support did not get any, whilst 33% indicated that none was available.

In addition, 47% of those who were grieving said they found it helpful when someone asked if they were okay, and 20% chose when someone asked if they would like to talk about their loved one. However, 58% said talking about death, dying and bereavement is the ‘elephant in the room’.

Gill Stewart, MD of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “At Co-op Funeralcare, supporting the bereaved whilst caring for their loved ones is at the heart of what we do. Our colleagues were there for grieving families every step of the way as the nation entered a devastating period of mourning during the coronavirus pandemic, and we witnessed first-hand the impact of this extremely difficult time. 

“It is imperative that adequate national bereavement support is in place to support those who have been affected by these recent events, and to ensure everyone who experiences a bereavement now and in the future is supported too.”

Lucy Harmer, CEO of Cruse Bereavement Support, added: “Cruse welcomes this new research from our partners at Co-op Funeralcare, highlighting the need for a cross-party bereavement strategy. From our more than 60 years of experience supporting grieving people, we have seen just how important it is that bereaved people are able to access support when they really need it.

“At present, the demand for our services is higher than ever and our resources and capabilities are stretched as a result from the pandemic and decreased funding. It is crucial that MPs across all parties acknowledge these findings, recognise the issues we’re facing and come together to develop a robust plan to ensure grieving people are properly supported.”