A LOCAL Devon charity has received a much needed financial boost from the Department of Health and Social Care to help it respond to an increase in demand for its services due to the pandemic.

The UK’s largest bereavement charity, Cruse Bereavement Care, whose Devon branch covers the whole of the county, was awarded funding by the Government in June to provide additional support through its existing National Helpline to bereaved people affected by the pandemic.

The funding has also allowed the charity to develop its current infrastructure, including increasing the current Helpline team through new recruitment, reallocation of staff and enrolment of existing, locally based Cruse Bereavement Volunteers; extending the opening hours of its Helpline; and creating a new webchat service.

Since the pandemic began the local Cruse branch in Devon has continued its work supporting those who are bereaved through the pandemic or other circumstances.

There have been 112 Covid-19 related deaths in Devon since the pandemic first began back in March.

The Area Chair for Devon at Cruse Bereavement Care, Philippa May, said: “These are unique times for everyone and we are yet to see the full impact that the pandemic is having on the thousands of people across the UK who have been bereaved and the lasting impact this will have on their mental health.

"We know from experience how devastating any death can be but in the current circumstances people are facing some of the most challenging situations imaginable.

“The social distancing restrictions and limitations on funerals since March has meant that many of those left behind have been grieving in isolation, alone, unable to seek much needed comfort from friends and family, and on top of that – many will have been unable to say goodbye or attend the funeral.

“What we are seeing now with an increase in calls to the Helpline month on month, is that these people have just put their grief on hold but now is when this grief is starting to be realised.”