We must make sure bereaved people are properly supported after the death of a loved one

A critical time

The UKCB has led one of the largest ever inquiries into the adequacy of bereavement support in the UK, taking evidence from more than a thousand people affected by bereavement, and organisations and professionals who work with them – to better understand the impacts of bereavement and the changes needed to improve support both now and in the future.

There could not be a more critical time for the Commission's work. As a result of the Covid pandemic many more people are estimated to have faced bereavement in recent years. Indeed, the findings of the UKCB reveal that there were around 6.8 million bereavements during the pandemic, with around 750,000 excess bereavements during this period compared to the previous five-year average. For many of those affected, bereavement will have been a profound upheaval, leaving people facing practical and emotional challenges – often exacerbated by the pandemic.

Excluded from support

However, the work of the UK Commission on Bereavement shows that far too often bereaved people are left without the support they need – facing bills they can't afford, administrative tasks that are overwhelming, and unable to get the support they need from their school or employer. Too often it is the same groups who are least well served throughout their lives who are most failed following the death of someone close to them – excluded from support because of where they live, who they loved or what they believe.

The Commission has seen time and again how we need to do more to support people affected by bereavement. Over 40% of adult respondents to the Commission who wanted formal bereavement support reported that they didn't get any, and of the bereaved children who contributed to the UKCB's report, half said they did not get the support they needed from their schools and colleges.

Poorly served communities

Today's report also identified that there is a particular need to focus on better supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and others who are currently poorly served. For example, many respondents identified challenges of accessing religiously and culturally appropriate funeral services, or bereavement support services appropriate to their individual needs.

In the face of these findings, the Commission has called for a new funding settlement for bereavement support services, saying that – if delivered with a particular focus on better supporting those who are currently most poorly served – just 79p per person in the UK over the next five years could help transform bereavement support for the future.

Providing ongoing support

The UKCB has also recommended that schools and employers should be required to have a bereavement policy, to ensure they are playing their part in providing ongoing support through the emotional and practical challenges of a bereavement.

The Commission also highlights that many people facing bereavement are among the very hardest hit by the cost of living crisis and that bereavement related benefits must be extended to key groups who currently miss out, and increased at least in line with costs of living.

Overall, the Commission made 26 recommendations to transform bereavement support both now and in the future. You can read the full list of recommendations in the report  .

Working together

Today's report shows the urgent need to improve people's experiences of bereavement, and sets out a vision for how we can better support everyone who is bereaved across the UK. However, it is just a starting point – to make this a reality we must work together, recognising that grief really is everyone's business.

The Commission is calling on the governments of all four nations, as well as organisations across the public, private and third sectors, and faith and community groups, to deliver ongoing change in policy, practice and culture.

Delivering change of this scope will require strong leadership from those with the most power to enact change – those in national governments. To provide this leadership, the Commission is calling on each UK Government to establish and deliver a cross-departmental strategy for bereavement that recognises support following bereavement as a human right.

Visit the UKCB website to learn more about the work of the Bereavement Commission and read the full report  . We're keen to hear your thoughts on its findings. Share them with us via social media @mariecurieuk