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Bereavement Counselling: Health Education

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 10 December 2025UIN 96664

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to raise awareness of grief awareness week.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The Government understands the importance and significance of National Grief Awareness Week. Grief is something we will all encounter during our lives, and it’s important that grieving families and friends who have lost loved ones have access to the support they need, when they need it.

As part of National Grief Awareness Week 2025, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health met with the UK Commission on Bereavement. This was highlighted on social media, with further information available at the following link:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/baroness-gillian-merron-a5130330_yesterday-during-national-grief-awareness-activity-7402274226902040576-PSWO

Furthermore, the Department chairs the cross-Government Bereavement Working Group, with representatives from over 10 departments, to consider options to improve bereavement support and services.

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