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People suffering from loss and bereavement are finding support from a course run by churches across the UK.A survey from Loss and HOPE has found its six-week course, The Bereavement Journey, is helping churches engage effectively with bereaved people. The course has been promoted to churches specifically over the past two years as a UK-wide church response to the pandemic.The survey comes as the UK Bereavement Commission, chaired by the Bishop of London, shares its report ‘Bereavement is everyone’s business’ with Government ministers and charities today (Tuesday 11th October). It urges all sectors to “work together to improve support both now and in the future”.Loss and HOPE’s survey shows more than 150 churches across a range of Christian traditions have taken part. Of those attending, about 80 per cent came from outside church (including confident referrals from GPs, social prescribers and funeral directors) and 90 per cent chose to attend the optional session on faith. It also shows that guests from outside the church are now beginning to engage with faith and attending church activities.These statistics build on research undertaken by the Church of England Life Events Team during the pandemic which suggested that 90 percent of people believe the church has a role in their bereavement care. One church which has run The Bereavement Journey reported: “Many of the guests did not have faith but found session six helpful, particularly around the subject of 'What happens when we die/' and 'Where is my loved one now?' Many had loved ones who did not have a faith, so Yvonne's words provided some hope. Her talk about the afterlife and what the Bible tells us about heaven and our own resurrection offered hope because this life is not the end - there is more to come.”Society has become nervous of confronting, or even talking about, death and grief – we no longer know what to sayThe Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John welcomed The Bereavement Journey findings and encouraged more churches to run the course. He said, “Walking alongside people in their darkest times and sharing the hope of our faith with them has always been a central part of our Christian ministry and today it is as important as ever. With advances in health care over the years, society has become nervous of confronting, or even talking about, death and grief – we no longer know what to say. The Bereavement Journey, run by churches, is a great example of how barriers can be broken down in guiding people to find support, rediscover ways to share their grief and to learn how to cope with it. “The results of the impact of this work released today are to be celebrated and I urge more churches to engage with the programme and see what a difference it can make to those they serve.” The Revd Canon Yvonne Tulloch, CEO of AtALoss.org, said, “Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen last month, and the UK Bereavement Commission’s call for more local bereavement support, this is a moment for the church to step up with renewed vigour to support those in their communities. There is huge potential here for social transformation, mental ill-health prevention and church growth, all at the same time. “The UK Bereavement Commission has confirmed that there are millions of people bereaved every year, and a large number now, following the pandemic, who will have delayed and complicated grief. Churches are well placed to offer help and it is clear that it is wanted by the public and that The Bereavement Journey is being welcomed by professionals alongside the bereaved. Christianity can bring the hope that bereaved people need. But training is needed. Churches need first to understand the difficulties bereaved people can have with church before they will see these results.” Aware of the unresolved grief across the nation, the effectiveness of The Bereavement Journey and having mentioned those currently grieving in his funeral sermon for the Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Patron of AtaLoss, is highlighting AtaLoss’ work – both in national signposting and in mobilising church community support, by choosing them for his Christmas charity this year.Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf, Executive Director of HOPE Together, one of the Loss and HOPE partners, said, “The Talking Jesus research has shown us that a life event, either positive or negative, is the biggest influence that brings adults to faith – bereavement is one of those life events. The Bereavement Journey course helps people through this major life event whilst gently enabling them to explore faith, should they want to. That’s why it’s core to the Loss and HOPE initiative.” For more information, please see:The Bereavement Journey AtaLoss Loss and HOPE