New phone therapy service launches in Bassetlaw to help the newly bereaved during the COVID-19 crisis

Regional councils have joined with with Rotherham and Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Groups to establish Listening Ear South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, offering free access to trained therapists.

The service is a response to the especially difficult and painful circumstances in which people will be experiencing bereavement.

Due to the social restrictions people may have witnessed traumatic scenes or been unable to be beside their loved ones at the time of their death or mourn them with a traditional funeral.

Rachel Gillott, speaking for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, said: “This is a great example of a service tailored to meet people’s needs in these unprecedented times.

“The impact of the pandemic has the potential to last for many years after the peak of the virus has passed, particularly when it comes mental health.”

She added: “We are working hard with all partners to ensure that services are in place to support people wherever possible.”

People are able to self-refer to the service but referrals can also be made by police, healthcare workers, community and faith organisations, mortuaries, coroners and funeral directors.

The Listening Ear service is provided by South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System regular partner Amparo.

Call 0800 0485224 or visit listening-ear.co.uk/refer.