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Author: Erica Seruset Borgstrom, Sharon Mallon
  • Video
  • 5 minutes

Narratives of COVID

Updated Monday, 6 February 2023

The Pandemic has brought losses, death, and changes to everyday life on a global scale. At The Open University, we reached out to students, staff and alumni to hear about their experiences. 

Find out more about The Open University's Health and Social Care qualification.


These have been collated into a book – Narratives of COVID: loss, dying, death and grief during COVID-19 with over 30 authors from the OU contributing. 

The book includes essays, poems, and reflections to document a powerful reflection of the impact of COVID on individuals and wider society. 

This film shares three of the narratives as spoken by the authors themselves, each of whom brings their own individual perspective to loss during and because of COVID. The sharing of narratives can help process loss, provide insight into different perspectives, and enable ongoing collective support. 

To access the book for free, you can view online as an eBook or pdf. Alternatively, you can purchase a paperback version here. 

Transcript

Sources of Support

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse provide advice and support to anyone who has been bereaved, no matter how recently or long ago a loved one died.

  • Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (lines open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5pm and until 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Weekends 10am – 2pm)
  • Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
  • Cruse Chat: (Online Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm)

The Compassionate Friends 
Support from an organisation formed of bereaved parents and their families; offering understanding and encouragement to others following the death of a child or children. 


Child Bereavement UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
  • Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 (lines open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)
  • Live Chat (Online Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)
  • Email: helpline@childbereavementuk.org   

At A Loss
Signposting website and online bereavement counselling for anyone bereaved and those supporting them.

  • Grief chat: online Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm

If you are an Open University student you can access support via TogetherAll (see your StudentHome page) and if you are a member of staff, you can access Wellbeing+ support via the Employee Assistance Programme. 


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