The best services are developed and delivered according to each area’s unique needs and demographics. We can, however, identify a number of common factors that all services should have at their core:
- A single/lead point of contact
- Involvement at all stages of those with lived experience
- Proactive contact with the bereaved family, within 72 hours of the death
- Non-judgemental emotional and practical support
- Support with the Inquest and legal process
- Referral to specialist support services where needed
- Contact and support for the long term, following the bereaved person’s journey and needs
- Support from and contact with a multi-agency network including frontline services, local services and councils, hospitals, GPs, schools, the Police, Coroners, and other organisations along the bereavement pathway.