Coronavirus: Free counselling available for bereaved families in Shropshire

Families and individuals who have lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered free bereavement counselling.

Run by Shropshire Council with support from Samaritans, Severn Hospice, Cruse Bereavement Care and Crane Quality Counselling, the Bereavement Support Service offers one to one personalised counselling for people across the county.

People will be able to talk to a trained professional about how they are feeling and to seek advice. Experts from the charities can also suggest helpful ways to remember and pay tribute to loved ones.

You can access the bereavement service by calling the Shropshire Council COVID-19 Helpline number on 0345 678 9028.

The line is available for anyone with questions or queries or looking for support and guidance. By ringing you can find out about the free and confidential bereavement services available, and you will receive support to arrange an appointment or get in touch directly.  They can provide you with a one-off conversation or a number of more in-depth sessions over a period of time

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“Bereavement is a difficult experience under any situation.

“Some families may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones before they died, which can be particularly upsetting. Those who experience loss during the pandemic may also be cut off from some of their usual support network.

“During these unprecedented times, having someone at the end of the phone to talk to can make a huge difference. You don’t have to deal with this alone.

“Working in partnership with the Samaritans, Cruse Bereavement Care, Severn Hospice and Crane Quality Counselling means we can offer people the right support

“We urge anyone feeling sad, lonely, distressed, overwhelmed or unable to cope to pick up the phone. We have ensured that you can access a range of services on a free and confidential basis. We aim to ensure everyone requiring bereavement support and help can access it quickly, easily, in a way and time that suits them.”

For further information about bereavement support, click here

For any other coronavirus information visit  https://shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/