Wellbeing z-cards created to support bereaved people in Ayrshire
East Ayrshire Council’s Health and Safety team has been working closely with Police Scotland to develop a new Bereavement Support z-card that can be distributed to local people who have experienced a sudden bereavement, which can also be made available in other formats.
The Community Wellbeing section from Police Scotland approached the Council to discuss the need for a resource that can be provided to people affected by the sudden loss of a family member, friend or neighbour.
Inspector Allen Dodds said: “Police officers regularly attend very difficult situations where someone has just experienced a sudden death and that could be from their family or it could be a neighbour or a friend. Often they are in a state of shock and find it difficult to absorb information about where to find support in the coming days or weeks. We worked closely with the Health and Safety team from East Ayrshire Council on a Bereavement Support z-card, which can be handed out across Ayrshire and we have ensured that contact details for all three local authorities have been included.
“The time after someone dies is very stressful and we want to do everything we can to support our communities in their time of need.”
The z-cards have been specially designed to contain helpful information for the days, weeks and months after a sudden bereavement. It explains the grief process and encourages people to consider their own wellbeing, signposting to support from national organisations like the Mental Health Foundation and Clear Your Head. There is also information on financial support available, contact information for registrars from East, North and South Ayrshire Councils and links to information on how to arrange a funeral.
They have been issued to Police Scotland, bereavement services and registrars, and will also be distributed to local funeral directors and hospitals.
Councillor Neal Ingram, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson said: “The Bereavement Support z-card, which our Health and Safety team has created in partnership with Police Scotland, has already proved beneficial to local people who have suffered a bereavement. I have handed out a couple of cards to people I have spoken to in my community and I know that one lady has received bereavement counselling as a result.
“It is normal to experience shock and bewilderment after a sudden bereavement and it can be a very stressful time. There are so many people to tell, procedures to follow and things to arrange. A sudden or unexpected death can also mean that certain procedures have to be followed by Police Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal. All of this can create additional stress on loved ones and friends. It is important that people know that they are not alone and that there is help available.
“The Bereavement Support z-card is a really helpful resource and I would like to thank the Health and Safety team for making the z-cards available throughout Ayrshire for all of our communities.”