THIS national Grief Awareness Week, Essex County Council (ECC) is reminding residents about the support available across the county for anyone who is struggling to cope following the death of someone close to them.

In recognition of the significant impact a bereavement can have on someone’s mental health, ECC is promoting both the emotional help and practical guidance available for children, young people and adults across Essex.

While people can experience a bereavement at any time, lots of people have experienced the additional trauma of losing someone close to them during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have had to cope in isolation and without their usual support system in place. 

The devastating effects of a bereavement in both the short and long-term cannot be underestimated and ECC is committed to ensuring that Essex residents have the support they need to manage their grief and emotional wellbeing.

Cllr John Spence, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Grief affects us all in different ways and there is no right or wrong way to grieve for someone who has died. However, we know that if people don’t receive appropriate emotional support when they need it, their mental health can suffer. 

“We would encourage anyone who has lost someone close to them to seek help. Please remember, while your grief might feel overwhelming at times, you are not alone.”

Cllr Beverley Egan, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, said: “Bereavement and grief can affect anyone, at any time of life and there is no timeline for grief. We know that for some children and young people, the death of someone close to them can also sadly be the trigger for serious mental health issues in the future. 

“It’s therefore vital that they receive emotional wellbeing support early on and that they have the help they need to process their grief. For anyone who is worried about a child or young person in their life, please contact the support services available across Essex.”