Families across Harborough who have lost a loved one through Covid-19 are able to access a new bereavement telephone support service

Families across Harborough who have lost a loved one through Covid-19 in hospital are able to access a new bereavement telephone support service.

It’s been launched by Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

The hospice’s Psychological and Bereavement Lead, alongside an experienced Family Support Team, will provide one-to-one support.

The free referral service is open to adults throughout Leicestershire bereaved due to the coronavirus.

David Hamilton, Rainbows’ Psychological and Bereavement Lead, said: “I am very pleased that our Family Support Team are utilising their skills in bereavement support to provide this telephone service to families who are bereaved at the University Hospitals of Leicester due to Covid-19.

“We are aware of the demanding situation for the bereavement team at the hospitals.

“We hope that as well as supporting families this service may be of support to the hospital and build up our existing connections.”

He added: “Bereavement is never easy.

“But the complexities of Covid-19 means that these families may have the additional trauma of not being able to be present when a loved one dies, not being able to have the desired funeral and due to lockdown may have limited contact and support from others.

“This service will aim to create a safe space to talk and express this difficult reality.”

Kim Sanger, a Specialist Bereavement Nurse at the University Hospitals of Leicester, said: “We are very grateful to the team at Rainbows for offering this service.

“The support they will provide will make a significant difference to the bereaved during what is a very difficult time.”

Rainbows is continuing to support the NHS as well as offering their established end-of-life care and online Family Support services.

In March the hospice announced they would be looking after children and young people from children's hospitals throughout the East Midlands to help relieve pressure on the NHS.

Rainbows have had to close their five shops and postpone all fundraising events for the foreseeable future during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The much-loved regional charity desperately needs the public to swing behind them as income plummets.

If you would like to make a cash donation to Rainbows then please visit rainbows.co.uk/donate