Bereavement Support Line

Description

Bereavement Support Line is a national freephone service 1800 80 70 77 available from 10 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday. We aim to provide a confidential space for people to speak about their experience or to ask questions relating to the death of someone during the COVID-19 pandemic or a previous bereavement that feels more difficult at this time. We will listen to what a person says about what has happened. We will do our best to provide comfort and emotional support. We will provide any information that might help the caller, including information on practical supports. We will provide support for employers or professionals who want to inform the care their organisation can offer to bereaved colleagues. The service is confidential. What you tell us will not be shared except in certain circumstances where, for safeguarding reasons, we may need to share your information with the emergency services. On the call, we might ask your first name, because it’s a natural question to ask in a conversation, but you don’t have to tell us if you prefer not to.

Aim of Initiative

Everyone who has experienced bereavement

Who is it aimed at

Everyone who has experienced bereavement

Steps critical to success

1. Creating awareness of the line
2. Having volunteers available
3. Extend operating hours

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Awareness
2. Expense of advertising

Outcomes / Benefits

1. Increase number of calls
2. People can talk to someone who understands bereavement
3. provide connection, comfort and support in these exceptional times.