Follow the conference on X #AdultBereavement
This conference focuses on the important issue of improving care, support and services for adult bereavement. We will hear from lived experiences of bereavement and learn what needs to change to support those suffering from loss. Our line-up of experts will cover what leads to compassion fatigue, complicated grief and the power of self-compassion in bereavement.
The conference will include a session on the important role that Medical Examiners have in supporting bereaved families start a healthy grieving process. Featuring talks from leading researchers, clinical directors and bereavement trainers who will give us the latest in improving adult bereavement care, support and services.
“Grief is a deeply personal experience. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or supporting someone through their own grief journey, it’s crucial to acknowledge that grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. Each person experiences it uniquely, and there’s no “right” way to grieve.”
The Loss Foundation, April 2025
“There was a large increase in the number of people bereaved during the pandemic, and an increase in the severity of need. As a result, many people didn’t, and still may not, get the bereavement support they need.”
Dr Anne Finucane, Marie Curie Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Psychology, May 2025
“Every one of the 600,000 deaths that happen each year in the UK can affect up to nine people. Those people might be the partners, parents, children, siblings, grandchildren, friends or neighbours of the person who’s died. Many bereaved people will get all the support they need from family and friends, but other will need outside help and may not feel confident enough to talk to a GP about it.”
Catherine Millington-Sanders, EOLC Clinical Lead and Macmillan GP, Kingston CCG, June 2025
“Navigating grief is one of the most painful experiences in life, and our mission is to ensure that no one has to face it alone. Accessible and timely support can make all the difference in helping people cope and eventually find a way forward.”
Cruse Bereavement Support, 2024
This conference will enable you to:
Network with colleagues who are working to improve bereavement services and support
Reflect on the lived experience of bereavement
Implement the UK Commission on Bereavements recommendations
Learn from best practice in bereavement care
Reflect on national developments and learning
Understand the long-term challenges of complicated grief
Learn from the latest research on the pandemic’s impact on complicated grief
Reflect on the crucial role a Medical Examiner has on supporting bereaved families starting a healthy grieving process
Learn how grief support can be tailored through Acceptance and Commitment Therapity-informed online tools
Develop your skills in providing bereavement support in the immediate aftermath of a death
Understand current models of loss and bereavement and evidence
Identify key strategies for improving emotional and mental health support: psychological perspectives on bereavement, loss and grief
Improve support for those bereaved by suicide
Involve bereaved relatives in investigations and supporting bereaved people through Coroner Inquests
Ensure you are up to date bereavement needs assessment and early intervention
Reflect on the role of compassionate leadership in supporting bereaved colleagues
Improving your communication skills in dealing with distressing conversations
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5 Hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
