Engagement work with local health providers/community groups guided development of service provision. The service was promoted through local media and social media sources. Volunteer recruitment, training and ongoing supervision were established. Interventions offered are monthly bereavement support/weekly counselling sessions depending on assessment of risk and need. Sessions delivered via telephone/digital platform. Referrals accepted from health care professionals as well as self-referral

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... hways. Results Between September 2020 and June 2021, 34 referrals were received with 199 contacts. Patients on average had six contacts from a counsellor or highly trained volunteer. The volunteer workforce makes up 80% of team and are invaluable to continued service. Qualitative patient feedback has been positive. 'For me it was perfect, 100% what I needed. Being able to talk and offload my feelings has helped so much... having someone listen to me and tell me that all I was feeling was normal.' Conclusions Marie Curie Bereavement services need to adapt to meet the changing needs and demands in response to pandemic. Engagement work across the community has been integral to the development, outreach and promotion of the service.