AtaLoss bereavement support

24th November 2021

Christmas is one of the hardest times for bereaved people. The need for supporting bereavement this Christmas and during 2022 is huge.

Church of England research earlier this year showed that:

  • 6 in 10 people had been bereaved since March 2020 with 1 in 4 having experienced more than one death
  • 8 in 10 agreed that more support was needed
  • Over 90% wanted churches to offer a place for people to light a candle and to remember loved ones
  • Over 90% wanted churches to offer a place to talk or a listening ear.

There is considerable demand from the public for churches to offer bereavement support.

  • AtaLoss.org provides a UK wide website hub of bereavement support and information for anyone bereaved and those seeking to support them. 
    This an easy way for clergy to direct bereaved congregation members and people in their communities to support. The website could be advertised on church websites, in church foyers (posters are available), at funerals (cards are available), and we recommend, this year especially, mentioned at Christmas services or on carol service sheets. See www.ataloss.org.
  • Loss and HOPE is a project working with the Church of England Life Events Department, Care for the Family and HOPE Together, equipping churches in bereavement support. A dedicated website provides resources, training and information for clergy and any Christian wanting to know how to effectively support bereaved people. Information on holding an alternative Christmas service is currently available – Remembering at Christmas menu – and regular webinars (Bereavement Friendly Church) are provided for leaders to consider how to improve their church’s accessibility to those who have been bereaved.  See www.lossandhope.org.
  • The Bereavement Journey is an effective resource for supporting all bereaved people in the community, which Loss and HOPE is recommending UK churches offer as a pandemic recovery response.  A 6-session series of films and discussion groups (including an optional session on faith), it has a step-by-step guide, promotional materials and team support, making it easy for any church to run online or face to face.  We encourage churches to offer this to bereaved people in their communities after Christmas.  See www.thebereavementjourney.org and www.lossandhope.org.
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