Widow calls for better bereavement support

A widow, who was left as the sole provider for four children, is part of a group petitioning the government for better financial support for bereaved families.

Lauren's husband Andy died from cancer in 2024 aged 42.

Lauren, from Redditch, said her husband's biggest concern before he died was about how she and their children would cope financially: "He was just so scared about money. He died a very, very, very scared man."

The Department for Work and Pensions said: "Losing a loved one is devastating and we understand the financial impact it can have on families."

The government provides financial support up to £350 a month to bereaved spouses, but that only lasts for 18 months.

Before 2017, support called the Widowed Parent's Allowance was provided until children were 18, but it was abolished by the Conservatives for the Bereaved Support Payment.

The campaign group Widows Fight are handing in a petition to Downing Street on Thursday, calling for support to be extended and up-rated to reflect the cost of living.

The petition has received more than 100,00 signatures, meaning it will be debated in Parliament.

Lauren said she was struggling financially now that support had been withdrawn.

"I think bereaved children need extra support financially, emotionally, psychologically. For my son, who is now 10, he's only just started to show the signs of trauma, distress, anxiety, two years in. I've now had to find a therapist from a charity who will support him because I can't afford to pay for therapy."

The campaign is being backed by Redditch's Labour MP Chris Bloore after he met with Lauren and heard about her situation, and he has raised the issue in the Commons.

Charity Widowed and Young is also in support of the petition.

Its chief executive Stephanie Patrick said the financial impact of being widowed young could be devastating.

"Overnight, families often lose more than half of their household income while trying to cope with the trauma of losing a partner," she said.

"This isn't just a short-term challenge. Our latest member survey found that 65% of our membership are struggling financially," Patrick added.

"Grief doesn't end after 18 months, and neither do the financial pressures that follow bereavement. Bereaved families need time, stability and compassion – not an arbitrary deadline."

The Department for Work and Pensions said: "Further help with everyday living costs may be available through benefits such as Universal Credit which provide targeted, means-tested support to those in greatest need."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.