Supporting the 13 million struggling after bereavement

RESEARCH conducted by YouGov on behalf of Co-op Funeralcare highlights that as many as 13 million UK adults that are battling grief following a recent bereavement are experiencing feelings of loneliness or dealing with challenges to their mental wellbeing this Christmas.

With over 28 million UK adults (54%) having experienced the loss of a loved 1 in the last 5 years, celebrities, charities and MP's have along with the Co-op offered their advice and support to those struggling after a bereavement in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

The findings come after a report from the UK Bereavement Commission earlier this year which highlighted how important community support is for the bereaved. In response to the report, the essential role that the community plays in supporting the bereaved was discussed only last month at a Westminster event hosted by the Co-op, the UK's leading bereavement charity, Cruse Bereavement Support and sponsored by Carolyn Harris MP.

Highlighting the importance of community, for just 49% of bereaved adults spending time with people who knew their loved one helped with the grief. Pointing to the need for workplace support, 15% of bereaved adults outlined the need for employers to act, saying that taking time off work has helped them to cope with their sense of loss.

However, findings reveal that almost 50% of bereavements were sudden or unexpected, and that getting through the funeral (36%), clearing out belongings (25%) and breaking the news to others (22%) were amongst the most difficult challenges faced by those closest to someone who had died.

In response to the findings, Co-op is focused on expanding its support to families after the funeral and in partnership with Cruse is bringing communities together to support the bereaved. The partnership aims to empower individuals to provide everyday support to those in their communities who have experienced bereavement. Co-op in conjunction with Reach PLC has also in the last month launched a new podcast:- 'Let's Talk About Grief,' where celebrities share their experience of grief and loss to help others going through similar feelings.

Gill Stewart, MD of Co-op Funeralcare said:- "Our colleagues throughout the country are continuously working with members of their local communities to ensure bereaved families are shown the utmost support during their time of grief. However, as the UK Bereavement Commission rightly pointed out, it takes a Village to ensure those dealing with the loss of a loved 1 still feel included in community life. For many the sense of loss can be overwhelming, even more so at this time of year, and our research highlights the power of community being supported by others can make all the difference at a time of grief."

Speaking of his own experience of losing his father and brother, TV personality Jake Quickenden said:- "There's no perfect way to deal with grief, you have got to find your own way of dealing with it. Grief is something that never disappears, and I don't think it really gets easier, it is such a strong emotion, and it changes your mindset. I like to think of grief as all the love you have left for a person, that you can't express for them anymore. I look at life so differently since losing my Dad and Oliver, some days are more difficult than others, but every day is a day that I get to see my family, see friends, make memories and live."

Steven Wibberley, Chief Executive of Cruse Bereavement Support said:- "At Cruse, we know how essential support in the local community is for people dealing with their grief. The recent UK Commission on Bereavement highlighted the importance of support from family, friends and community in helping bereaved people. We are proud to be working in partnership with The Co-op on our Connecting Communities project, to improve grief awareness and support in local areas and ensure bereaved people are not tackling their grief alone. I was delighted to introduce the project to MPs and colleagues from across the bereavement sector at our recent Parliamentary event and we hope that this support continues as the project develops next year."

Coleen Nolan, TV personality, singer and podcast host for Co-op Funeralcare's new:- 'Let's Talk About Grief' show, stated:- "Despite so many of us having experienced loss (and I have experienced my fair share myself), especially within the past couple of years, death and bereavement are still taboo topics, and there is still such guilt around experiencing grief. Many of us feel like we are placing a heavy burden on those around us when we're dealing with bereavement and choose to manage our feelings in silence instead of reaching out for help. It's no surprise that feeling unable to share your feelings after experiencing the loss of a loved one can be profoundly alienating, as we often feel nobody will understand what we are going through, when really this isn't the case. It is my sincere hope that we take on the learnings shared by the UK Bereavement Committee and look at our own communities with more empathy and selflessness; as you never know who may be secretly battling the negative feelings that come with bereavement."

Have yourself a purry little Christmas

IT is very well known that pets enrich the lives of humans; this was highlighted over recent months with many of us spending a much greater amount of time with our pets because of the more flexible working conditions we are facing post Pandemic. Many companies are now offering hybrid working with 2 to 3 days working from home, which allows us more time to be with our furry companions! The research is real, it's a proven fact that pets help us reduce stress levels, bring us joy and offer true companionship. Often our pets give us a reason to get up in the mornings and are masters at training humans and before you know it you are up at 5am opening the tuna just so you can go back to bed before the real alarm goes off.

That's why Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel, in Southport, ensures the Festive holidays are made purrrfect for each and every one of the feline guests staying at her boutique hotel just for cats. Four-legged guests who are lucky enough to have reserved one of the 6 luxury suites this season can look forward to a day packed full of festive cheer, organic turkey morsels and pampering sessions all as part of the complimentary:- "Feline Festive" upgrade package on offer, perfectly created to sprinkle a little festive cheer this year!

A personalised hamper of toys and treats awaits every guest at Longcroft on Christmas morning! The hampers are hand designed, locally produced and brimming with gifts individually selected to match each guests personality which contain their favourite toys and treats. There will be a mouth watering hand prepared breakfast selected by the guests humans from the hotel's:- 'A La Cat' Menu and snacks on tap from the mini bar. Four legged guests will then be able to while away:- 'the most magical day of the year' with a welcome nap and an afternoon filled with play time and cuddles, to the soft sound of Christmas carols and a backdrop of sparkling fairy lights.

Because the Longcroft Southport Cat Hotel is located in the peaceful garden of hotel owner Harvey's family home, who love to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas to enjoy cuddles and feather play sessions with his feline guests on the big day.

Longcroft is the UK's only luxury hotel group for cats, with 24 locations in the UK. Founded in 2010, the company has grown rapidly thanks to its revolutionary approach to cat boarding, placing animal welfare at its heart. Longcroft offers peace of mind to the most discerning cat owners when they go away, by providing a tailored, home from home experience for its feline guests whatever the season. Every Longcroft hotel does Christmas with fun, panache and an expert touch!

If you love to be social do pop over to:- Facebook, Twitter or Instagram where you can watch many of Longcroft's beautiful guests enjoying a spot of room service, feline pampering and festive holidays at our hotels around the UK!