COVID-19 and Grief

A Chaplain’s Reflection on the Experience of Supporting Bereaved Parents and Widows in Lockdown

Authors

  • Nell Cockell South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.41757

Keywords:

COVID-19, bereavement, grief, chaplaincy, parent, widow, child, death, hope, moral injury, negative capability

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted on the experience of those who are grieving and on the work of those who support them. As a newly appointed bereavement chaplain for a community children’s team, I have reflected on the experiences of those I am working with, and on how my role has been impacted by COVID-19. This article looks at several areas where COVID-19 has affected grieving people, both parents and others. I also reflect on my own experience of working with them at this time, the distress this has caused me, and the values and creativity that are leading me forward.

Author Biography

  • Nell Cockell, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust

    Chaplain Helen Cockell is a Children’s Bereavement Chaplain with South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, England, UK.

References

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Published

2020-09-14

Issue

Section

Professional Reflection

How to Cite

Cockell, N. (2020). COVID-19 and Grief: A Chaplain’s Reflection on the Experience of Supporting Bereaved Parents and Widows in Lockdown. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 8(2), 251-264. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.41757