Guidance

Bereavement resources for the social care workforce

Published 5 April 2022

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bereavement-resources-for-the-social-care-workforce/bereavement-resources-for-the-social-care-workforce

Losing someone close to you, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague, can be devastating. This loss may be especially difficult during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic because you may not have been able to spend time with your loved one due to infection risks or may have been unable to say goodbye in the way you would have wanted.

Working in the social care sector, you may also grieve the loss of residents or care users, particularly those with whom you had a longstanding and meaningful relationship. This may be made more difficult if you cannot share details about work with your friends and family.

People grieve in different ways and there is no right or wrong way to react. When you’re grieving for someone, you may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger and guilt. You may also find it difficult to concentrate or experience a lack of motivation. You may experience these emotions immediately, or they may occur at a later stage. Many people find it helpful to reach out and talk to someone about their feelings, others may wish to deal with the loss in private.

We hope that the resources gathered here may help you during this very difficult time.

Resources for social care workers

Acas

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) gives support and guidance around bereavement, including good practice for managing leave, suggested processes for when a member of staff dies and a template bereavement policy.

At a Loss

The At a Loss signposting website for the bereaved directs you to information and local services appropriate to your loss.

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse Bereavement Care offers telephone, email and online support for anyone who has experienced a loss.

Call 0808 808 1677 or email helpline@cruse.org.uk.

Dying Matters

Dying Matters is a coalition of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, aiming to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement.

GOV.UK

Mind

Mind has information on understanding grief and bereavement (including from suicide), how to manage, and where to get help.

Samaritans

Samaritans has a free confidential support line:

  • 0300 131 7000 (7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday)

  • text FRONTLINE to 85258 at any time

It includes coaching, bereavement, mental health, family, legal, benefits and debt help.

Samaritans also has information about suicide, including what to look for, what to do, how to have difficult conversations and general support.

Stay Alive

Stay Alive is an app for those at risk of suicide and those worried about someone.

Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder offers online bereavement support, including an online bereavement counselling service.

Trade unions

Trade unions may offer resources to support workers in the social care sector experiencing trauma and bereavement (for example Unison).

Widowed and Young

Widowed and Young offers support to people under 50 who have lost a partner.

COVID-19 specific resources

Interfaith

Interfaith has guidance from faith communities and faith community organisations on funeral rites and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sudden

Sudden has COVID-19 specific guidance on grief and supporting yourself or someone else, particularly during social distancing and on memorialising someone during social distancing.

The Good Grief Trust

The Good Grief Trust signposts to a choice of immediate tailored local and national support, including COVID-19 bereavement advice.

More resources for leaders and managers

Mindtools

Mindtools gives practical advice on leading grieving team members, including acknowledging feelings, showing empathy, avoiding giving prescriptive advice and ensuring, as far as possible, that people’s workloads do not become overwhelming.

Oscarkilo

Oscarkilo offers resources on the psychological impact of dealing with death and bereavement on police officers, staff and emergency services workers (easily accessible and applicable to anyone working in health and social care). It includes practical advice, alongside ‘dos and do nots’ for leaders and managers.

COVID-19 specific resources for leaders and managers

The King’s Fund

The King’s Fund has written an article about why compassionate leadership is vital during the COVID-19 outbreak and simple things leaders in health and social care can do.

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