The NHS Bereavement Helpline Service was launched on April 22nd by NHS Blood and Transplant.
During the Coronavirus outbreak there has been an increase in bereaved families, as well as significant changes to palliative care and end of life services, which will affect all deaths, both Covid-19 and non Covid-19 related. This new NHS Bereavement Helpline has been set up to offer guidance, support and advice to those dealing with a loss of a loved one at this difficult time. The service will provide advice and guidance on things such as funeral arrangements, the various documents required and how to register a death, and some suggestive ways to stay connected with, and remember their loved ones.
The service launched in the North West as a response to The Northern Care Alliance's Trust request for bereavement support.
The helpline is staffed by nurses who are highly skilled and experienced in working with bereaved people. The helpline staff will listen carefully to each individual who calls, to determine what level of support they need or can be directed toward. They are working with a number of charity partners who have offered their services for them to direct people towards. They will be signposting the callers to services ranging from the practical to specialist bereavement and emotional support. Some families may need more support than others or may be at risk. This is not a counselling service but an advice helpline only