Former miners and their families across the North East are being offered a new free service to support them with all aspects of end-of-life planning.
CISWO – the coal mining charity – has expanded its services, launching a new partnership with AtaLoss and Octopus Legacy to offer support for former coalminers and their dependent families.
The service, launching this month during Free Wills Month, provides practical, emotional, and financial guidance to help navigate end of life challenges, giving vital support and peace of mind for mining families as they prepare for the future.
Support includes a range of essential resources, including:
- Free will writing – available online, over the phone, via video call, home visits or in-person appointments.
- Bereavement and grief support – providing emotional support during times of loss.
- Understanding and managing finances – helping beneficiaries to organise their finances.
- Lasting power of attorney guidance – supporting families to navigate the legal steps.
- Practical guidance around funeral planning – ensuring final wishes are carried out with dignity and care.
- The work will be carried out by CISWO’s dedicated personal welfare team, who will also guide beneficiaries through the process with a new ‘All Things Considered’ planning booklet to ensure all essential information is captured in one central place.
Nicola Didlock, Chief Executive at CISWO, said: “We recognise the vital importance of having things in place to support end of life. We understand the difficult decisions that our beneficiaries have to make at a time where they are at their most vulnerable, which is why we have extended our service to meet this need.
“Working in former coal mining communities and supporting thousands of people each year, we understand the particular challenges that former miners and their families can face at this difficult time. We know that our beneficiaries want to be prepared but, often don’t know where to start and are proud that our service in partnership with Octopus Legacy and AtaLoss can be there to help.”
In cases of sudden illness, this service also offers beneficiaries support to get an urgent will in place providing vital assistance in times of need.
- CISWO’s personal welfare service supports former coalminers and their families with a range of free, practical support including:
- A confidential home visiting service to provide advice and support across a range of issues.
- Advice on mining related issues, including illness and disability.
- Help to access mobility equipment.
- Support to reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Assistance with welfare benefit applications and industry related compensation schemes.
- Financial assistance in times of need through grant support from CISWO or other agencies and charities.
- Access to CISWO educational grants.
For more information, visit www.ciswo.org.uk/endoflife.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
