The Coronavirus pandemic has been hard for everyone in some way or another, however for many people bereaved during this time it has meant more loss and trauma. It is difficult enough at any time to experience the death of a loved one. Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 it has been even more challenging for the bereaved. From not being able to see a loved one at the end of their life, to not being able to attend their funeral. All the additional complexities and restrictions families have had to experience have no doubt added to their distress and trauma. At the time of writing this, the current situation is that a maximum of 30 people can now attend a funeral service (25 at my local Crematorium due to its size). Throughout this time I have seen families have to cope with not being able to carry out the wishes of their deceased loved one, such as not being able to sing their favourite song or hymn, or even touch the coffin for the fear of Covid transmission. I have also seen first hand how hard it is for families to communicate emotions with masks on, and how daunting it all looks having the professionals around at the funeral wearing masks. There have been services I have conducted where key family members have not been present due to them shielding, or there not being enough capacity at the Crematorium. It has been really hard to see families unable to be close together or even give each other a hug when they desperately need it. I must say that, despite all of this, I have also witnesses the most amazing Funeral Directors, Crematorium staff, and hospital staff, provide a non-stop, sensitive, and caring service to the bereaved they have been supporting. I am aware of how hard it is for them to have to put in place the restrictions, and to have to disappoint people when they are unable to give their loved one the goodbye they would have liked to. It can be difficult to see positives when so many people have been additionally traumatised b y this, and when so many have lost their lives to Covid-19. Times like these can bring out the best in people though- and the way people have adapted is remarkable. With some funeral services now being streamed online, those who are unable to attend in person can watch the funeral virtually. For many this will be positive and will provide comfort, however, we must not assume that is the case for everyone -for those who are already alone and isolated it may be an even more difficult experience to watch it alone. I have had to adapt my work as best I can. I have a face visor so that I can talk to families and they can see my full face and expressions. Supporting people without basic body language and facial expressions just feels so unnatural and challenging. I take my visor off when it is safe to do so (following social distancing guidance) and also whilst conducting the service from the lectern. It feels important to do this so people can hear me and see me well. I carry a handmade Cornish tartan face mask with me to use when I am in larger groups and not needing to communicate natural emotional responses. Whilst restrictions have understandably been put in place with the aim of preventing the spread of the virus and to ultimately save lives, it is important for those who have experienced a bereavement during this time, to have their experience and feelings about it validated. I also hope that those who haven't felt they have had the opportunity to say goodbye are able to find some comfort in finding their own alternative way of doing so. Please contact me if you would like any ideas on creative alternatives and memorial services. I look forward to the day where I can shake hands with people again or provide a hug when it is needed! ******** If you have been bereaved during the pandemic, you may find it helpful to talk to someone, a friend or relative, or an organisation who support following bereavement. Please visit www.cornwallbereavementnetwork.org to look at the support available in Cornwall.