New support groups offered via Zoom have been set up to help North Staffordshire residents who have lost loved ones during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The 'Bereavement Help Points' initiative, developed by the Beth Johnson Foundation, offers support to local people over 50 who have experienced bereavement during the pandemic.

The groups were set up after the charity raised concerns that people who have recently been bereaved may be suffering due to the range of lockdown restrictions in place.

Their concerns included not being allowed to visit loved ones in hospital, not being with them at the end of their life, being limited when arranging funerals and having to grieve in isolation.

Beth Johnson Foundation CEO, Professor Sue Read said: "Coping with the death of a loved one is rarely easy. Support for bereaved people has never been more important than it is now. During this pandemic, social distancing measures limit funeral rituals and ongoing support.

"Here at the Beth Johnson Foundation we recognise this, particularly amongst the older population, and are determined to make a difference to those in our local, ageing communities.

"The Virtual Bereavement Help Points initiative offers individuals a choice about where and when to access support. Online meetings are convenient, accessible and can provide a listening ear when you most need it."

Bereavement Help Points Project Lead, Hilary Stefanelli, added: "Experiencing a bereavement during the pandemic has affected people of all ages but particularly older people who are more likely to have lost someone close within their age group.

"They may have limited social contacts generally and may themselves have been subject to more restrictive social distancing or shielding due to their age or health needs.

"Our zoom groups allow people to share emotional support with others who have experienced a bereavement. The groups create a social space for people to support each other from the comfort and safety of their own home."

Volunteer Co-ordinator Andrew Colclough has trained volunteers who will welcome people joining the groups and will support them to use phones, tablets and laptops to join the Zoom meetings.

Weekly Bereavement Help Points meetings will began on Wednesday 23rd September and further dates and times will be added as demand grows.

Hilary added: "We would urge anybody who would like to attend the support groups to get in touch with me on 07507 408372 or Andrew on 07770 016978 or to email us at [email protected]."