'Grief pandemic' fear over limited lockdown funerals in Burnley

The online YouGov survey, commissioned by funeral provider Co-op Funeralcare, estimates that nationwide 9.7 million mourners were denied the opportunity to say their last goodbye at their loved one’s funeral due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

David Collingwood, Director of Funerals at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “A funeral provides a sense of closure for bereaved families and is very often the start of the grieving process.

"Sadly, the recent restrictions mean an estimated 243,000 bereaved families across the UK and tens of thousands across Burnley have been denied the right to say goodbye to loved ones in the way they would have wished.

“We completely supported the need to introduce these restrictions at the beginning of the devasting coronavirus pandemic in the UK. We had to make some tough but responsible decisions to protect our colleagues and clients, and to fulfil our social responsibility of slowing the spread of the disease.

“Tragically, we don’t yet know what the long-term psychological effects will be for families denied the last opportunity to say goodbye, so it is vital that we do everything possible to allow families and individuals to attend funerals, whilst always prioritising the health and safety of our communities.”

Co-op Foundation has partnered with Co-op Funeralcare to deliver grants of up to £10,000 for projects that help young people to support each other through bereavement. Organisations can express their interest in the Co-op Foundation #iwill Fund until July 31st.

The funding will help build confidence, skills and a sense of belonging among young bereaved people, while helping them to make a long-term impact on their peers who have gone through similar experiences.