Making sure grief support is available aswecomeoutoflockdownisvital

A funeral director is warning of the devastating impact lockdown has had on Lanarkshire’s ability to grieve and said the region could yet face a grief pandemic.

An online YouGov survey, commissioned by Co-op Funeralcare, shows that in the weeks following the start of the UK’s lockdown on March 23, 50 per cent of bereaved adults in Lanarkshire have been denied their final farewell.

Although a necessary measure to protect our nation during the coronavirus pandemic, the restrictions on the number of funeral attendees mean that many have been unable to attend their loved one’s funeral, with some councils prohibiting any attendees at crematoriums and gravesides.

David Collingwood, director of funerals at Co-op Funeralcare said: “A funeral provides a sense of closure for bereaved families and is very often the start of the grieving process.

“Sadly, the recent restrictions mean an estimated 243,000 bereaved families across the UK and thousands across Lanarkshire have been denied the right to say goodbye to loved ones in the way they would have wished.

“Tragically, we don’t yet know what the long-term psychological effects will be for families denied the last opportunity to say goodbye, so it is vital that we do everything possible to allow families and individuals to attend funerals, whilst always prioritising the health and safety of our communities.”

Meanwhile, a charity that supports people experiencing trauma and loss has extended its lifeline services to close family members who have been bereaved by coronavirus.

PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss) is now also offering telephone and online support to relatives who have lost a loved one to COVID-19.

-The South Lanarkshire charity has 25 years’ experience in counselling and is backed by the Scottish Government.

For access to the counselling service, a self-referral can be made by calling PETAL on 01698 324 502.