A new bereavement support service has been commissioned by Halton Borough Council, to support people that have lost loved ones during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The service consists of:
• Initial referral and assessment via the Listening Ear contact centre 9am to 5pm, five days per week, telephone, email, and online referral system
• Wellbeing Workshops (Group Counselling)
• 1:1 counselling (up to eight face-to-face counselling sessions) telephone, video, or in-person, supporting accessibility (BACP – https://www.bacp.co.uk/ – adult accredited service – No. 1023805)
• Self-Help (supporting physical and mental wellbeing)
• A Bereavement Freephone (0800 048 5224) support service, offering practical and emotional support
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “The pandemic has made it so much harder for many who have been bereaved during this time.
“Being unable to see a dying relative, attend a funeral or simply be with other family members and friends at such a difficult time means many more people are struggling with grief and loss.
“We hope that through this new service more of our residents in Halton can seek help and support during a difficult time.”
Richard Brown (Listening Ear CEO) said:
“The covid 19 pandemic has had a profound effect across the country, and the new Halton Bereavement service will provide practical and emotional support for local residents.
“The helpline is staffed with fully trained counsellors and can provide immediate support. When accessing the helpline, the workers will undertake an initial assessment for the suitability of either the helpline or the other services that have been commissioned.
“The bereavement counselling element ensures that people who require more specialised support, can receive counselling from a local BACP accredited counselling service”