Bereavement must be part of the Big Conversation on Care, says AtaLoss
Author: Yvonne Tulloch
Date: 29th July, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bereavement must be part of the Big Conversation on Care, says AtaLoss
Following the Prime Minister's speech today (29 July) setting out the Government's plans for reforming health and social care, the bereavement charity AtaLoss has written an open letter urging the new Government to ensure bereavement support is recognised as a key part of its prevention agenda.
The charity welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to reforming social care and improving its relationship with the NHS. However, it warns that bereavement remains one of the most significant but overlooked factors driving demand across health, social care and other public services.
In the letter to the Prime Minister, the charity says that around six million people experience a significant bereavement each year. While most do not require clinical treatment, many need timely information, compassionate support and effective signposting. Without this, grief can become intertwined with loneliness, poor physical and mental health, financial hardship, family breakdown and increasing reliance on public services.
In its open letter, AtaLoss calls on the Government to include bereavement explicitly within its prevention, health and social care reforms, to ensure a minister has responsibility for coordinating bereavement policy across Government and to establish a sustainably funded national bereavement pathway.
Yvonne Tulloch, Founder and Chief Executive of AtaLoss writes to the Prime Minister:
“Bereavement runs through every part of social care. Family carers may experience anticipatory grief before someone dies and need support afterwards; older people who lose a spouse can quickly become isolated and less able to live independently; and care workers regularly experience the deaths of people they have supported.
“Grief can affect health, employment, housing, relationships and independence. Most bereaved people do not need medical treatment, but they do need understanding, effective signposting and access to community-based support. Providing that help early can prevent escalation and reduce pressure on both social care and the NHS.
“The Government is right to put prevention and community support at the heart of reform. Bereavement support must be recognised as part of that care system - and included explicitly in the Big Conversation on Care.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
AtaLoss is a UK wide charity helping bereaved people find support and wellbeing by raising awareness about the impact of bereavement; directing to help through the signposting website ataloss.org; and equipping community support, including training for organisations and The Bereavement Journey® peer support programme.
View and download the open letter as a PDF.
Yvonne Tulloch, AtaLoss CEO is available by prior arrangement.
Media interviews can be arranged by WhatsApp message to Adam May on 07736 949 869 or by emailing press@ataloss.org.
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