Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Bereavement Services

Tuesday 13 April 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government recognises increased demand for bereavement services due to grief complexities.
  • Since March 2020, 10.2 million was given to mental health charities, including bereavement services.
  • Bereavement services are under constant review, with careful monitoring of how people access these services due to increased need.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Seema Malhotra Labour (Co-op) Feltham and Heston
NHS
Context

The MP noted the increased demand for bereavement services due to the impact of the pandemic. She cited a specific funding amount provided by the government.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on bereavement services? The Government recognise that the effects have increased demand and highlighted grief complexities. Since March 2020, £10.2 million was given to support mental health charities, including bereavement services.

Answer from Nadine Dorries

The Government recognise increased demand for bereavement services due to grief complexities. Since March 2020, £10.2 million was given to mental health charities, including bereavement services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessment of the impact on bereavement services beyond acknowledging increased demand and complexity.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Seema Malhotra Labour (Co-op) Feltham and Heston
Mental Health
Context

The MP requested a proper plan for bereavement support during the pandemic. She highlighted that many people do not know where to turn for help, mentioning the Good Grief Trust's work in putting cards in doctors' surgeries and A&E departments.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to signpost families to bereavement charities and increase awareness of available support? The Good Grief Trust mentioned that many people do not know where to turn for help. Charities are signposting services by putting cards in surgeries and hospitals, but there are 700 other charities providing grief counselling.

Answer from Nadine Dorries

The mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan aims to respond to the pandemic's impact on mental health. £10.2 million was allocated recently, including £500 million additional spending in the spending review for general mental health which includes bereavement counselling.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify steps taken to signpost families to bereavement charities and increase awareness of available support beyond mentioning existing funding and services.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Rosena Allin-Khan Lab Tooting
Context

The MP paid tribute to her father who passed away recently. She highlighted the challenges people face during the pandemic and cited £10.2 million provided by the Government last year to mental health organizations.

Question

Will the Minister please consider reviewing this vital funding immediately? The extra financial support for bereavement organisations ended on 1 April, leaving many relying on dedicated charities without essential help.

Answer from Nadine Dorries

I pay tribute to the MP's bravery and personal loss. Bereavement services are under review constantly, monitoring carefully how people access these services due to increased need at present.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment on reviewing funding immediately beyond acknowledging it is under constant review.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email