A NEW community based bereavement support service has been launched to help Dumbarton residents cope with grief during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lockdown and social distancing measures have limited families from seeing loved ones during end of life care, while restrictions on funeral attendances have also prevented the traditional farewell people would normally have and the chance to share time with extended family and friends., leaving many grieving families feeling isolated.

Now West Dunbartonshire’s health and social care partnership (HSCP) and local mental health support organisation Stepping Stones are teaming up offer additional help to people coping with grief at this time.

Allan MacLeod, chair of West Dunbartonshire’s Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “Bereavement is hard for families under normal circumstances but during the current restrictions families are unfortunately experiencing heightened grief.”

Anyone aged 18 or over can self-refer by calling Stepping Stones on 0141 941 2929, or emailing admin@stepstones.org.uk. They can also be referred by a support agency, carer or GP.

Find out more at wdhscp.org.uk/health-improvement/bereavement-support-during-coronavirus-pandemic/.