The bereavement framework offers funding support to organisations that commission or provide bereavement services.
Bereavement is something that we all go through in our lives. How we experience the grief of loss can be influenced by many factors: generational, cultural, spiritual. However we respond to losing a loved one it is a natural and individual process and not an illness, but its effects can sometimes be devastating.
Unfortunately, not everyone will have the support they need to help cope with the grief of losing a loved one and some additional help may be necessary.
This is why on 29 October 2021, The Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, Lynne Neagle launched the National Framework for the Delivery of Bereavement Care in Wales.
Several voluntary organisations were actively involved in the National Bereavement Steering Group and contributed to the development of the Framework.
AIMS
Building on a desire to make sure we do all we can to help those facing or experiencing bereavement, the Framework sets out five key principles:
- The need for bereavement support for both children, young people and adults including pre-bereavement
- The learning and impact of loss due to COVID-19
- The models of support
- A need for clear pathways, and
- Agreeing baseline standards for bereavement support services many of which are provided by voluntary organisations.
FUNDING
The framework is being supported by a £1m Bereavement Support Grant for 2021 to 2024. Any voluntary organisation can apply and applications from a collaboration of organisations is also welcome, but Projects need to be in line with the three components of bereavement support described by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). More information about project criteria is available on the application page.
The framework recognises the compassionate nature of people in Wales when supporting those facing the loss of a loved one. It also sets the urgent goal to do this more fairly across the whole of Wales, to better support those who need it.
The deadline for applications is 4 pm, Friday 26 November 2021.