THE Co-op has launched a partnership with a bereavement charity aimed at helping people talk more openly about death and grief.

The move by the Co-op and Cruse Bereavement Support follows research showing that half of adults who have not experienced a bereavement admit to being unprepared in knowing how to help a bereaved friend or relative.

One in eight of 2,200 people surveyed said they have actively gone out of their way to avoid someone who is grieving because they do not know what to say to them.

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A third of respondents expressed an interest in learning how to better support the bereaved.

The partnership plans to roll out bereavement support projects, offering workshops on how to support people with grief.

Andy Langford, clinical director at Cruse Bereavement Support, said: “Our research clearly tells us that people don’t always know what to say to someone experiencing grief and feel in some cases it’s better to do nothing than risk causing upset.

“This exciting partnership with Co-op will not only help educate people in communities on the importance of good grief support, but will also offer practical ways to help people through some of the most painful times in their life.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at Co-op Group, said: “Our research shows the vital role that communities have in supporting the mental wellbeing of those who have been bereaved, from supportive conversations about grief and signposting to more formal support, to providing hubs, networks and activities that can help with social connection, routine and meaning that may be missing following the death of someone close.”

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