A recent poll has revealed that friends and family, a GP or NHS-funded counselling are the most likely sources of support for over 50s suffering from bereavement.
The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of pre-paid funeral plan provider, Ecclesiastical Planning Services, and was completed by 1,000 UK residents aged 50 and above. The poll sought to understand how over 50s may have been affected by the passing of a loved one, either emotionally or financially.
When asked if they had ever needed to seek emotional, spiritual, or mental health support following the death of a loved one, 23% of over 50s said they had. Those who answered positively (232 people) were then asked to share who they had turned to for support, by choosing from a list of pre-determined options. Respondents could select more than one answer.
For many people, talking to friends and family is the support they need when grieving, and this was the case for the majority of survey respondents (44%). But others may find it helpful to look into other ways of finding support. 38% of respondents revealed they had referred to a GP following the death of a loved one, and a staggering number of people say they had resorted to counselling for help with coping with a death, either via the NHS (38%), a charity (34%) or privately (34%).
Others had sought the help of a religious leader (26%), free online resources (21%) or their funeral director (21%).
One of the benefits of purchasing a pre-paid funeral plan is that it allows you to select your funeral director in advance, ensuring your loved ones have access to expert help and support when the time comes.
Source: OnePoll research of 1,000 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, October 2022.
For more information about pre-paid funeral plans and the benefits of planning ahead, please get in touch. We also host regular Bereavement Support Groups. Find out more here.
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