Losing a daughter and a sister: bereavement charities offer support
A mum, whose daughter died from Covid-19, has told ITV News of her grief and how she "never got to see her [daughter], never got to say goodbye."
Families and friends have been forced into mourning during the pandemic and many without the chance to say goodbye.
Bereavement charities are offering support to those who are struggling after losing a loved one.
Rachel Turner-Hewitt told ITV News of what she went through, saying: "I wasn't able to see her, and unfortunately by the Tuesday she had deteriorated so much, she'd been put onto a ventilator - and by the following Wednesday she'd passed away.
"Never got to see her, never got to say goodbye."
"As a mum you can imagine it's the hardest thing a mum would ever have to go through," she added.
Laura told ITV News: "As close as we were, it's like I've lost my left arm because she was always there - now she's not."
With death plaguing so many families this year, charity The Good Grief Trust has launched a national campaign in a bid to break the taboo around grief.
The Chief Executive of The Good Grief Trust, Linda Magistris, said: "Our theme is #ShareYourStory, which is incredibly important because so many people have been left isolated and alone in their homes during lockdown and haven't been able to share their story."
Mitch Winehouse has had to share his experience with losing a loved one in the limelight, after his daughter singer Amy Winehouse died in 2011.
He told ITV News of the lack of sleep and grief he felt, saying: "When you go to bed at night and you know you put your head on the pillow, you are alone and you know, I remember, I'm going to get emotional now, but I remember sitting up in bed shaking my head and saying this can't be happening, this can't be true."
He also urges everyone to "talk it through with anybody - it doesn't have to be a therapist or a councillor."
Who to contact if you or someone you know needs help
The Good Grief Trust: Sudden bereavement helpline (between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday - 0800 2600 400, and their national bereavement partnership helpline between 7am and 10pm for emotional support on 0800 448 0800
National Bereavement Partnership: The charity has a Covid-19 hub specifically for those seeking information, advice and support during this difficult time. You can also call on their helpline 0800 448 0800 or by SMS text on 07860 022 814.
Samaritans: Call free on 116 123 or visit the website
NHS 111: Non-emergency advice is available online (Only call 111 if you cannot get help online). People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
Shout: Confidential 24/7 crisis text support. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line
Crisis Support For Young People: Under 35s. Call Papyrus's Hopeline UK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends. 0800 068 41 41. Text 07786 209697 or visit the Papyrus website
CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason. Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Free, anonymous webchat with trained staff or visit the CALM website
The Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness Week. Find out about the charity by clicking here: Mental Health Foundation