Should we be allowed to form 'Bereavement Bubbles'?

A charity has suggested that grieving households should be allowed to form "bereavement bubbles" with others who have lost loved ones during any future coronavirus lockdowns. The Sue Ryder bereavement charity said this would help families feel less isolated and alone as they go through the grieving process during the coronavirus pandemic.

Its research found 62% of people who have lost a loved one since the end of March felt bereavement bubbles would be a good idea. The charity found 59% felt as though their grief had been forgotten. Two-thirds of the 503 adults surveyed said forming a support bubble would be a "vital source of support". The research also found that 62% feel the nation has become "desensitised to death", while 55% feel their loved ones' death is "just a statistic".

Single-adult households can currently form a support bubble with another household without needing to adhere to social distancing

The government is being urged to extend this to bereaved households containing more than one adult, such as housemates or older children, during any local or national lockdown.

The Sue Ryder charity has seen a spike in demand for its bereavement support services, including online video counselling and an online community forum.

Chief executive Heidi Travis said: "Integral and deeply personal elements of the bereavement journey have been disrupted for so many over the last few months due to social distancing measures.

"So many people have been unable to say goodbye to those who have died, they have then had to grieve in isolation, without the physical presence or touch of those close to them."

Matt Williams, head of information and support at terminal illness charity Marie Curie, added: "People accessing our bereavement support service are telling us that the absence of normal support networks such as friends and family is proving incredibly tough.

"Many people have not been able to say proper goodbyes, attend funerals or hug friends and family. Bereavement bubbles could help alleviate this and the potential long-term effect complicated grief can cause."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: "We recognise how difficult it has been for people to be cut off from their friends and family, and that this has been a significant issue for those who live by themselves.

"Support bubbles were introduced to assist the loneliest and most isolated in society.

"Any changes to the guidance on social contact will be made in line with the latest available scientific evidence."

The Sue Ryder Bereavement Charity supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – we’re there when it matters. Our doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can. Click here to find out more.