Loss and Bereavement Training Course

Loss is a universal experience, but the way people grieve is deeply personal and shaped by culture, circumstance, and individual resilience. For health and social care professionals, understanding how to support those facing bereavement is vital in delivering compassionate, person-centred care.

This free loss and bereavement online course provides an in-depth exploration of grief, loss, and bereavement, covering both emotional and practical support. You’ll learn about the legal requirements around registering a death in the UK, how to provide empathetic communication, and how to recognise when specialist support may be needed. The course also considers cultural differences and the importance of self-care for professionals working in emotionally demanding roles.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Grief affects not only the person who has experienced loss, but also families, friends, and the wider community. In health and social care, professionals are often at the frontline of offering support and guidance.

Here’s why this course is for you:

• Understand grief in depth: Explore models of grief, factors that influence bereavement, and different types of grief reactions.
• Support others effectively: Learn how to provide both emotional and practical support to the bereaved.
• Meet legal and professional responsibilities: Understand the UK process for registering a death and your duty of care when supporting families.
• Respect diversity: Gain insight into how cultural and individual differences shape grieving processes.
• Care for yourself and colleagues: Build resilience and strategies to manage the emotional demands of supporting bereaved individuals.
• Practical focus: We go beyond theory, giving you the communication tools and real-world strategies needed to make a difference.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define grief and bereavement, and explain different models of grief.
• Identify factors that influence how people grieve, including anticipatory and complicated grief.
• Provide emotional support and use effective communication techniques when working with the bereaved.
• Recognise cultural and individual differences in grieving, while upholding dignity and respect.
• Understand the UK legal requirements and processes for registering a death.
• Support families with funeral arrangements, memory-making, and accessing further help.
• Uphold professional responsibilities including duty of care, record-keeping, and behaviour.
• Support colleagues and reflect on your own practice to maintain resilience and compassion.

Target Audience

This course is designed for anyone working in, or preparing to work in, the health and social care sector, including:

• Carers and support workers who may support individuals and families through loss.
• Social care professionals responsible for providing guidance in times of bereavement.
• Managers and team leaders supporting staff who work with grieving families.
• Students and learners preparing for careers in care settings.

No previous training in bereavement support is required. The course is suitable for beginners but also offers depth for experienced professionals seeking to refresh or expand their knowledge.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course explores the emotional and practical aspects of grief and bereavement, the UK legal process of registering a death, cultural awareness, and professional responsibilities.

Can I apply what I learn immediately?
Yes. The course includes real-life scenarios, communication examples, and strategies that can be applied directly in your role.

How long will it take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 6–12 hours to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a certificate upon completion to evidence your learning.

Is the course relevant to UK practice?
Yes. The content is tailored to UK health and social care frameworks and includes legal requirements specific to the UK.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Our courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is in development.

Loss and bereavement can be some of the most difficult experiences in life. With the right knowledge and skills, you can provide meaningful support that helps individuals and families navigate these moments with dignity and care.

Join this course today and build your confidence in supporting people through loss and bereavement