Co-op Funeralcare calls for better support for 40 million recently bereaved

04 December 2023

  • Co-op Funeralcare releases first phase of findings from its state of the nation study, the Biggest Ever Survey into death, dying and bereavement

  • 40 million UK adults have experienced the death of loved one in the past five years

  • UK Bereavement Commission reports that 40% of those who wanted formal bereavement support did not receive any

  • Co-op Funeralcare calls on government for cross-party bereavement strategy to support the nation

New research from Co-op Funeralcare, conducted by YouGov, today has revealed that almost 40 million UK adults have experienced the bereavement of someone close to them during the past five years, whilst over two-fifths (43%) of these shared that this bereavement was sudden – a 4% increase in comparison to 2018*.

This information comes as part of the first phase of results from Co-op Funeralcare’s Biggest Ever Survey, a state of the nation report into death, dying and bereavement, and ahead of the festive season which is typically a difficult time for the bereaved. This study has now gathered the thoughts and attitudes of over 60,000 people across the UK, including 24,000 Co-op member owners, since 2018.

Almost half (49%) of those who have lost a loved one due to an expected death said that the nature of the death meant they were able to prepare. The 43% who have experienced a sudden bereavement during the past five years sadly did not have this time to prepare for their loss or anticipate the consequent grief.

Co-op Funeralcare’s ‘A Nation in Mourning’ report** sadly revealed that one-fifth (21%) of UK adults were bereaved during the first national lockdown and an estimated 9.7 million mourners were unable to attend the funeral of their loved one. Almost three-fifths (59%) who lost a loved one during lockdown said their grief process was negatively affected by the restrictions in place.

The UK’s Bereavement Commission has reported that 40% of those who wanted formal bereavement support did not get any, whilst 33% indicated that none was available.

Almost half (47%) of those who were grieving said they found it helpful when someone asked if they are okay, and one-fifth (20%) chose when someone asked if they would like to talk about their loved one. However, more than half of the nation (58%) said talking about death, dying and bereavement is the ‘elephant in the room’.***

In response to these findings and ahead of National Grief Awareness Week, Co-op Funeralcare has written to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition. The funeral provider has asked them to consider their latest research findings and to include commitments to implementing the UK Bereavement’s Commission’s recommendations in their manifestos ahead of the General Election, which is widely expected to be held next year.

Gill Stewart, Managing Director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “At Co-op Funeralcare, supporting the bereaved whist caring for their loved ones is at the heart of what we do. Our colleagues were there for grieving families every step of the way as the nation entered a devastating period of mourning during the coronavirus pandemic, and we witnessed first-hand the impact of this extremely difficult time. It is imperative that adequate national bereavement support is in place to support those who have been affected by these recent events, and to ensure everyone who experiences a bereavement now and in the future is supported too.”

Rt Hon Carolyn Harris MP, who along with Co-op successfully campaigned for the introduction of a Children’s Funeral Fund in 2019, said: “The impact of bereavement is vast and managing grief can be painful, complicated, and isolating. This research by Co-op highlights just how vital Bereavement Support services are to the millions of people who face loss every year. They can bring hope and a sense of peace at an otherwise difficult and daunting time. Having witnessed the difference that the right help can make to those who are suffering, I fully support calls for an improved provision of bereavement services.”

Lucy Harmer, Chief Executive at Cruse Bereavement Support said: “Cruse welcomes this new research from our partners at Co-op Funeralcare, highlighting the need for a cross-party bereavement strategy. From our 60+ years of experience supporting grieving people, especially during and following the pandemic; we have seen just how important it is that bereaved people are able to access support when they really need it.

“At present, the demand for our services is higher than ever and our resources and capabilities are stretched as a result from the pandemic and decreased funding. It is crucial that MPs across all parties acknowledge these findings, recognise the issues we're facing and come together to develop a robust plan to ensure grieving people are properly supported.”

Further findings from Co-op Funeralcare’s Biggest Ever Survey will be released over the course of the upcoming months.

Co-op Funeralcare has partnered with Cruse Bereavement Care to bring communities together to support one another with grief.

For anyone who has experienced a bereavement, support and advice can be found here.

- END –

Notes to Editors

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 16005 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th September - 4th October 2023. The survey was carried out online.

  • Total sample size was 22664 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1st May - 25th June 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults 16+ by age, gender, region and ethnicity

** This research was commissioned by YouGov and took place between 7th and 13th May 2020. Research was conducted with a total sample of 9551 UK adults. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

*** Censuswide fieldwork Research was conducted by Censuswide. Total sample size was 1000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th – 18th August 2023. For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.