NEAS introduces Good Grief cards to support families after a death

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has introduced Good Grief cards for crews to leave with families following a death, offering reassurance, compassion and clear signposting to bereavement support at an incredibly difficult time. 

When ambulance crews attend a death, they are often meeting people in moments of shock, sadness and confusion. The Good Grief cards are designed to provide comfort beyond the scene, helping families know that support is available when they feel ready. 

Karen Hertwick, end of life facilitator at NEAS, explained why the cards are such an important addition: 

“In the moments following a death, families can feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn next. The Good Grief cards offer something gentle and tangible – reassurance that support exists beyond that moment, and that they don’t have to face grief alone. For our crews, it’s a compassionate way to extend care when words can be difficult.” 

Paramedic Owen Finney said: “The introduction of Good Grief cards across NEAS is a really positive step forward. While simple, they provide a consistent and practical way to support bereaved people at a time when they may feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.  

“They don’t replace the personalised, compassionate care that ambulance clinicians already strive to provide – they act as an additional tool .  

“Ultimately, they represent a simple but meaningful way to improve how we support patients’ loved ones during what are often life-changing moments.” 

The cards also alight closely with our ongoing research at NEAS, which is exploring the experiences of families following an unexpected death of a loved one in the pre-hospital setting. 

Owen, who is leading on this research added: “Although our findings are still in progress, existing evidence highlights how important both emotional and practical support are during bereavement. Families often value clear information, small acts of compassion, and guidance on what happens next.  

“The Good Grief cards are an example of how we can translate this understanding into practice, helping to bridge the gap between the care provided at scene and the support available afterwards.” 

The cards will be used at the discretion of ambulance crews, when it feels appropriate and right to do so, recognising that every situation and every family is different. 

The cards have been developed by The Good Grief Trust, the UK’s leading bereavement support network. The Trust brings together hundreds of local, regional and national organisations that offer free bereavement support, all accessible in one place. 

Each card includes a gentle message of condolence and a QR code linking directly to the Good Grief Trust website, where people can find information, guidance and support options that suit their individual needs. The card also contains a small, removable insert that can be kept, shared with other family members, or returned to at a later time. 

Importantly, the cards are not intended to tell people what they should do or how they should grieve. Instead, they offer choice, reassurance and the simple message that help and hope are available. 

The introduction of Good Grief cards also supports the aims of Dying Matters, a national campaign led by Hospice UK that encourages people to talk more openly about death, dying and bereavement. 

Taking place between 4 and 10 May, Dying Matters Awareness Week aims to break down stigma and taboo around these conversations, helping people feel better prepared and supported before and after a death. 

By leaving a Good Grief card, NEAS crews are helping to continue that conversation – quietly and compassionately – long after the ambulance has left. 

For families, grief does not end when professional care concludes. Having something tangible to hold onto, return to, or share can make a difference during an otherwise overwhelming time.