On the evening of 6 August 2024 we published our film “The Impact of Covid on Dying, Death & Bereavement” for free public use at: https://youtu.be/WJ7IeHjH2H8. We ask users to let us know at swfhealthsocial@outlook.com that you’re using it, credit the makers South Woodham Ferrers Health & Social Care Group and Two Cubed Creative, who hold the Copyright, and after screenings promote completion of the online survey at https://us4.list-manage.com/survey?u=cdc642811c5cd2b74c66dfd9f&id=eedb83b64e&attribution=false
We have developed a number of resources, some of which are listed below. We also have presentation packs for Clergy, Funeral Directors and Hospital Chaplains.
During Covid South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) Health & Social Care Group managed and delivered voluntary health and welfare essential support to SWF and surrounds. During that time, especially during the initial and subsequent lockdowns, we saw the devastating impact it had on people who were dying, then died, and on those left bereaved. The arrangements were brutal when compared to ‘the norm’.
Perhaps we need reminding what happened? Memories may dim and understandably we want to move on. However, many who suffered are stuck with dreadful memories and effects.
We have made this 37-minute film, which describes the experience of a widow whose husband died in March 2020. Alongside that, we also have the experiences of a hospital chaplain, a funeral director, a ward sister, a medical director, a community nurse, and a GP.
Our aim has been to document their observations. This reminds us of what went on, helps us reflect upon what happened, consider the effects it had and continues to have, and may stimulate consideration of what can be learnt and done differently when the next pandemic strikes, as it surely will.
Premier screenings recently evoked strong feelings, stimulated serious discussions, identified ongoing effects and stimulated ideas to improve things in future pandemics. The film is being submitted to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. We hope this film will be a useful resource for many people in a variety of ways. http://www.swfhealthsocial.co.uk
SWF Health & Social Care Group 