Lifeline for coronavirus widow

Age UK Lindsey Befriending Officer Guy Hall contacted the widow, who is in her 50s, as part of the organisation’s ‘Keep Connected’ phone service, which has replaced its one-to-one home visits during the current crisis.

This service is growing in popularity and is continuing as a phone support and advice line.

When Guy phoned this lady, he said it was clear she required support.

Having recently moved to the county with her late husband, she didn’t know many people in her local area and whilst family were nearby, she had only been able to speak to them over the phone.

Guy said: “The loss of her husband has been understandably very traumatic for her, compounded by the manner in which he died and the lack of a meaningful funeral due to Covid restrictions.

“She has received support from her family over the telephone, however this fell well short of the face-to-face closeness she craved, and this has made her grieving all the more difficult.

“She had begun fearing leaving her house and didn’t want to burden her family or parents with her grief as she believed they were hurting enough.”

Seeing Guy as independent of her family circle really appeared to help her speak to him in confidence.

Guy added: “I encouraged her to obtain professional bereavement counselling and although initially reluctant, she agreed for me to make a referral on her behalf to CRUSE bereavement counselling service.

“After speaking with a representative and explaining the situation, she has been accepted and is currently receiving professional support.