Bereavement boxes

The sudden death of someone we care deeply about is almost impossible to comprehend. We always think we’re going to be warned, have time, but every day, people arrive at A&E with their loved one and the hope that everything will be OK. Sadly, there are times when life takes an unexpected, heart-breaking turn, and they leave having lost someone dear to them. The shock and pain of such a sudden loss are unimaginable, and these families face a journey of grief they never anticipated.

At Basingstoke and North Hampshire's A&E department, the team wants to help make those first moments of loss a little less isolating. That’s why staff create bereavement boxes — small but meaningful packages filled with thoughtful items designed to provide comfort and support to families who have suffered a sudden loss.

Each hand packed box contains items such as tissues, candles, seeds and keepsakes to allow families to treasure their loved ones’ memory.