COVID-19 is posing a big challenge to us all, personally, collectively and professionally. Physical distancing means that many existing services have to be delivered in a different way. 

At the same time, we know that more families are likely to be bereaved as a result of COVID-19 so there will be more demand for bereavement support.  The following is a list of national and local services that offer bereavement support.

Nationally;

Cruse Bereavement Care provides a nationwide service of bereavement counselling, advice, information and social contact to anyone bereaved by death irrespective of age, race, religion, gender or sexual preference. Telephone: 034 5123 2304

The Good Grief Trust offer advice and support from people who have been bereaved, lots of useful information on their website, contact via email hello@thegoodgrieftrust.org

The Compassionate Friends give support to parents whose children have died telephone: 084 5123 2304.

Lullaby Trust for parents of a baby who has died suddenly and unexpectedly. There are leaflets and information for bereaved parents and health professionals. Telephone: 080 8802 6868 (24 hours)

Winston’s Wish offers information, advice and guidance on supporting bereaved children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak. National Freephone Helpline: 08088 020 021 (open 9am–5pm, Mon–Fri, currently operating remotely so leave a message and someone will call you back) ASK email support: ask@winstonswish.org Crisis Messenger: Text WW to 85258 (available 24/7) Online CHAT available 12-4pm, Wednesdays and Fridays via the website.

Bereavement UK is a hub for bereavement support and information worldwide, including articles, podcasts and audio messages 

NEW GM Bereavement Service support is available to anyone within Greater Manchester, bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. 

Call 0161 983 0902 for support.  Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays) and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm.

Locally;

There is also local support available in Bury, the following services will do their best to help you, in light of covid-19 they have adjusted their working practices to offer phone / email / video / text support;

Hospital Bereavement Centre; based at Fairfield Hospital 0161 778 3859, support for families and friends of patients who have died in hospital, support with administrative functions plus support from a Sawn Bereavement Nurse.

Bury Hospice Bereavement; 0161 725 9800 extension 226, Mon-Thu 8am–4pm, bereavement support for children (4-11yrs) and adults of patients who have died within any of the hospices services.

Misakim; 0161 660 4446, 24 hours, 6 days (not from Fri sundown until Sat sunset) provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy from the Jewish Community, phone or email info@misaskim.co.uk.

Federation of Jewish Services (known as The Fed); 0161 772 4800 or email advice@thefed.org.uk provides bereavement support to members of the Jewish community, remote support available.

Greater Manchester Neshomo; Jewish befriending service, offering bereavement support, no face to face contact, support available by phone and video services. Men: Daniel 07741 625 345 maleoutreach@neshomo.co.uk and women: Tamar 07512 578 587 femaleoutreach@neshomo.co.uk

Care Concern Loss & Bereavement Counselling Service; Based at the Nicky Alliance Day Centre 0161 796 0807 or email care.concern@hotmail.co.uk grief, loss and supportive bereavement service.

In addition, there is information on The Bury Directory Covid-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing page about support available for those struggling with their mental health

Funeral Guidance; during the coronavirus pandemic communities, organisations and individuals are strongly advised to take action to reduce the risk of spreading the infection among mourners who are gathered to pay their respects, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable people.

Funeral guidance during the coronavirus outbreak is detailed on the main Bury Council website.