The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on bereavement support services in the UK: findings from a cross-sectional online survey and qualitative case studies

ABSTRACT

BackgroundThe Covid-19 pandemic has caused c.131,000 excess deaths in the UK to date. During the pandemic, voluntary and community sector (VCS) bereavement services have played a central role in supporting the bereaved. We describe the impact on and response of these services to inform service development and policy.MethodsMixed-methods explanatory sequential design in two phases (1) Online survey (March-May 2021) of VCS bereavement services in the UK, disseminated via national organisations, networks and social media;(2) Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews with staff/volunteers at case study VCS bereavement services (June-December 2021). Interviews explored challenges/innovation in bereavement support during the pandemic, with transcripts analysed using thematic analysis.Results147 organisations participated in the survey;53% were regional, 16% UK-wide. 36% were hospice/palliative care services, 15% national bereavement charities/Non-Governmental Organisations;12% local bereavement charities. During this period of the pandemic referrals increased for 46% of organisations and decreased for 35%. 78.2% changed services and 51.7% introduced new services (such as online/telephone support). 24 people across 14 organisations were interviewed. Challenges encountered included rapidly setting up online/telephone provision and consequent changes to the therapeutic encounter;developing new policies/procedures;coping with fluctuating demand and clients’ complex grief responses;supporting staff/volunteers working from home;and a loss of funding. Nevertheless, innovation and positive impacts were reported including modernisation of services;expanding access for some groups (younger people, men, rural communities);increased cohesion amongst staff;and instigation of local collaborations.ConclusionsUK bereavement services rapidly transformed during the pandemic, despite significant challenges. Important lessons have been learned and providers generally advocate a blended approach for future provision of bereavement support. To ensure positive changes are retained, the experiences and acceptability of new/adapted services among clients and staff require further investigation, while services’ ability to meet demand requires sustained or additional resources.