The Wales Bereavement & Mental Well-Being Conference 2025, presented by White Rose Funerals & Memorials, is a landmark national event designed to fundamentally transform how Wales supports its grieving families.

 

This conference is a direct result of our extensive experience on the front lines of grief, where we have witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps in support for diverse communities and the urgent need for a more compassionate, well-equipped system.

 

This is not merely a forum for discussion; it is a movement to drive concrete, national-level change.

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The event's prestige and purpose are underscored by the caliber of its attendees. It serves as a vital meeting point for political and institutional leaders, including the The Minister of Finance - Mark Drakeford, along with respected figures like Mark Isherwood MS.

 

Their presence signals a top-down commitment to addressing these critical issues. They will be joined by senior coroners, who bring an essential legal and procedural perspective; healthcare specialists and community leaders, who provide front-line insights; and charity representatives, who represent the diverse needs of those in grief. The collaborative agenda is built on the understanding that real, lasting change requires input from every sector of society.

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At the heart of the conference is White Rose’s National Campaign for Compassionate Bereavement Care, a powerful initiative born from the voices of families across Wales.

 

This campaign addresses three critical areas where immediate action is needed:

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• A Call for Mandatory Suicide Intervention Training: The campaign demands that essential frontline professionals—including funeral directors, teachers, NHS staff, and emergency responders—be equipped with mandatory, life-saving suicide intervention training. This recognises their unique position to identify and assist individuals in crisis, acting as a crucial first line of defense in a time of growing mental health challenges.

• A Push for Inclusive Bereavement Support: This initiative seeks to dismantle the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. It advocates for culturally sensitive and accessible support for all, including Deaf families who often face communication challenges, minority ethnic groups with distinct cultural and religious practices, and faith communities needing urgent and specific burial arrangements. The goal is to ensure that no family is left behind due to a lack of understanding or appropriate resources.

• The Campaign for a Public Mortuary in Cardiff: White Rose is leading the charge for a modern public mortuary in Cardiff with state-of-the-art facilities like digital MRI scanning. This essential infrastructure would not only provide a more dignified resting place for the deceased but would also significantly reduce delays in the release of bodies, easing the immense emotional and logistical burden on grieving families and relieving pressure on the National Health Service.

 

By bringing these diverse voices and powerful advocates together, the Wales Bereavement & Mental Well-Being Conference aims to ensure that every family in Wales receives dignity in death, compassion in grief, and comprehensive support in their recovery. It is a collaborative effort to not only raise awareness but to enact the systemic and practical changes needed to create a more humane and responsive bereavement care system for the entire nation.