A NEW partnership aims to help people in the region talk more openly about death and grief.

The Co-op and Cruse Bereavement Support have joined forces for the initiative.

Communities will be helped to provide everyday support to those who have experienced bereavement.

To launch the venture, free resources – covering issues such as identifying signs of grief and knowing how to offer help – will be available at co-op.co.uk/griefsupport.

And later this year, Cruse will work on the ground with communities, providing face-to-face workshops.

Rebecca Birkbeck, for the Co-op, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Cruse to mobilise communities to support the bereaved.

"Research shows the vital role communities have in supporting the mental wellbeing of those who have been bereaved, from supportive conversations to more formal help – and providing hubs, networks and activities that can assist with social connection, routine and meaning that may be missing following the death of someone close."

Andy Langford, of Cruse Bereavement Support, said: "This exciting partnership will not only help educate people in communities on the importance of good grief support, but will also offer practical ways to help people through some of the most painful times in their lives."