Surrey and Hampshire residents who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 urged to get support
The two counties are some of the most affected by sudden bereavement due to the pandemic
Analysis by charity Sudden shows there is estimated to be 11,500 people who have suddenly been bereaved due to Covid-19 in Surrey and Hampshire, and over 300,000 across the country.
It is believed there is at least five people affected by each sudden death, which the charity has combined with the Government's data on the number of people have lost their lives to coronavirus up to the end of November.
According the the charity, it has seen a large increase in people seeking help for bereavement since the start of the pandemic, and people who have not yet sought support are being urged to do so.
Mary Williams OBE, Sudden's Chief Executive, said:
"For many, this heartache is particularly difficult over the Christmas period and it’s vital that people who face an unexpected bereavement get access to emotional and practical support from day one, onwards, helping them cope, understand the reactions they are experiencing and stay safe.
"Sudden is at the frontline of helping people through their darkest hours, from day one of their bereavement, onwards. Early support can make a significant difference to someone’s long-term wellbeing, as well as significantly reduce the economic costs to society of sudden bereavement."
Sudden has compiled a list of Christmas gift ideas to help people coping with sudden bereavement, which include naming a star after a loved one, creating a photobook, getting out in nature, and even gift-cards for pre-prepared meal services.