Lincolnshire hospice opens bereavement helpline for those having to grieve loved ones alone

As thousands of people in Lincolnshire are isolated, dealing with the death of a loved one alone, St Barnabas will offer a listening ear and basic advice to anyone who feels unable to cope or who needs to seek support.

This new bereavement helpline will be open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, as well as Monday and Wednesday evenings until 8pm.

Counsellors will provide a listening ear as well as hints and tips on how to stay calm or manage anxiety, and how to pay respects to a loved one when a funeral cannot take place in the usual way.

The helpline will support people who are grieving from a death of any cause, not just the coronavirus.

People do not need to have used the St Barnabas services before to access it.

Tracy Tuffs, counselling service team leader as the hospice, said: “These are uncertain times and we understand that people will be feeling more emotional and alone than normal.

“Our aim with this service is to use our expertise to support people when they need it the most but also understanding that they may be grieving in a different way because of the current situation.

“The calls will be taken by volunteers, most of whom are trained counsellors or bereavement volunteers who would usually be working in the community holding group sessions.

“As these have stopped, we were keen to use their expertise to continue being able to support our community.

The helpline, which is just available to Lincolnshire people due to capacity, and support, is on 0300 303 1897.