Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions the Government is having with specialist bereavement organisations on the formal and informal support that bereaved people need (a) during and (b) after the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government is taking a cross-Government approach to address bereavement support and help ensure that families and friends of those deceased get the support they need – particularly during this difficult time. We are engaging with a range of specialist bereavement organisations to assess the increased need for support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May, the Government awarded £4.2 million to mental health charities and charities providing bereavement support. This funding is part of an overall £750 million package for the voluntary sector announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April.