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Hope After Loss: Working Together for Better Bereavement Support in Cwm Taf Morgannwg

people at conference

Leading Bereavement Charity, 2wish Cymru and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board have today (3 December 2024) partnered to deliver a regional bereavement event.

Supported by funding from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity, the event is a fantastic showcase of multi-agencies across the region working collaboratively to support bereaved families at the most difficult of times.

Losing a loved one often leaves people feeling isolated, with bereavement support in Wales often difficult to access, inconsistent or even unavailable.

Over 65 professionals from healthcare, policing and bereavement services in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region, and from across Wales, have met in Pontypridd, RCT to:

  • Share personal family stories of bereavement;
  • Discuss how bereavement support and services for individuals and families can be improved; and
  • To ensure that everyone affected by bereavement can access the help they need.

Jenny Oliver, Head of Patient Experience, said: “Our health board is hugely grateful for our ongoing partnership with 2wish Cymru, and wider partners, for all the outstanding support they provide to grieving families. Our partnership with 2wish Cymru has resulted in the opening of our bereavement rooms; these are dedicated bereavement spaces within our hospitals, giving families the important privacy they need during the most tragic of time for them. Whilst our hope would be for no family to have to

suffer such tragic loss, these rooms are vital in supporting families in the right way.”

Rhian Mannings MBE Founder and CEO 2wish Cymru added:

“We are delighted to be working with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health board to raise awareness of the bereavement support available to the community. 2wish Cymru has worked with the health board for many years to support families who lose a child suddenly; this event is to highlight what this region can offer all bereaved families.

“Losing someone you love dearly, devastates a family and it’s important people know what the process is, and what support is available to be able to start grieving.

“It’s only by working together that we can ensure everyone’s different needs are met.”

Conference guest speaker, Chris Gray, Chief Inspector, South Wales Police said:

“Policing plays a crucial role in the bereavement process, as officers are often the first to attend incidents, setting the tone for how support is provided. Swift and compassionate engagement is essential to ensuring families feel supported from the very start. By working closely with partners, we can provide timely and meaningful support from the outset."

Today’s event has also involved a range of exhibits from a variety of support organisations.

Hope After Loss Team

Donna Morgan, Bereavement Lead, CTM UHB commented:

“Our health board is passionate and dedicated to ensuring that all of our families have access to excellent signposting and bereavement care. It’s fantastic to see 16 charities represented here today; highlighting the excellent work being undertaken within Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM), and showing the dedication to developing bereavement services within CTM and Wales as a whole.”

2Wish Contact Information

info@2wish.org.uk
01443 853125

03/12/2024