Wales pledges additional £3m for bereavement services
One of the organisations to benefit from the grant is Cardiff-based Platfform Wellbeing
The Welsh Government has announced that an extra £3m will be invested in bereavement services across Wales to ensure that everyone can access the support they need.
According to the minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, the three-year funding will help Wales become “a compassionate nation”, and improve bereavement care and support.
The Bereavement Support Grant will support all those experiencing a loss, with specialist forms of support for people living and working in agriculture and those experiencing more complex forms of grief.
Murphy said: “We want to ensure Wales is a compassionate nation, where everyone has equitable access to high-quality bereavement care and support. Providing this additional funding we hope will help us reach that goal.”
One of the organisations to benefit from the grant is Cardiff-based Platfform Wellbeing.
Peter Johnson, commercial director of Platfform Wellbeing, said: “We are grateful to the Welsh government for this continued funding, which enables us to support those who have experienced bereavement.
“Over the past three years, this support has allowed us to reach hundreds of people through thousands of one-to-one sessions and peer-supported groups during what is often a confusing and difficult time. It has been a privilege to walk alongside so many on their journey.”
As part of efforts to develop a pathway for bereavement care in Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has also become the first health board in Wales to provide a psychology-led bereavement service for those who experience the death of a baby, either in pregnancy or up to 28 days following the birth of their baby.
Speaking after her visit to Platfform, Murphy added: “Platfform is delivering a fantastic service, and it is making sure people have the right connection when they need it.
“It was humbling to learn of the experiences of people who have used Platfform and to speak to staff and hear how the organisation has helped them during their own times of grief.”