We are pleased to share that Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, has recently joined the newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society. This appointment reflects our continued commitment to improving the way society responds to grief and loss, and to ensuring that Welsh voices are part of the national conversation. We are very glad to have been invited to membership by AtaLoss, the Secretariat for the APPG.
What is the APPG?
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal cross-party groups within Westminster. Although not official parliamentary committees, they play a vital role in bringing together MPs, peers, charities, professionals, and people with lived experience to examine important issues and influence policy development.
The APPG on Grief Support, chaired by Maureen Burke MP, has been created to respond to the growing recognition that bereavement is not just a personal experience but a public health issue. Its goals are to:
- Recognise grief support as a public health priority
- Campaign for compassionate, accessible bereavement services
- Advocate for policy change that better supports adults and children who are grieving
While health and social care are devolved matters in Wales, UK-wide policy and funding decisions still shape the context in which local services operate. That’s why representation from Welsh communities and organisations in groups like this is so important.
Why Dean – and Why The Parish Trust?
Dean joins this APPG as a strong advocate for those who grieve. His experience spans a wide spectrum over a number of years: as a hospital chaplain within the NHS, as an ordained Christian minister offering pastoral support, and as the CEO of The Parish Trust – committed to walking with people through all stages of life, including the most difficult.
Dean has seen first-hand the effects of bereavement on individuals and families and has extensive experience of supporting bereaved people, both in clinical settings and within local communities. Through the APPG he will be able to represent the realities people face in grief, and to campaign for change on behalf of others that ensures no one is left behind in their sorrow. He will join a number of experienced individuals and organisations who are also advocating for lasting change and improvement to support those who are bereaved.
“Grief touches every life, yet too often, support is patchy, delayed, or simply absent. Through my work in the NHS and at The Parish Trust, I’ve seen the difference that timely, compassionate bereavement care can make. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the APPG on Grief Support, not for personal recognition, but to ensure that those who are grieving, especially here in Wales, are not forgotten in national policy. No one should have to walk through loss alone.”
– Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO, The Parish Trust
It is also a valuable opportunity for The Parish Trust, in its capacity as the national Ambassador for The Bereavement Journey in Wales, to contribute a Welsh voice and perspective to national discussions. Regional diversity matters when shaping policy and Dean’s involvement helps ensure the concerns and strengths of Welsh communities are included.
Bereavement Support at The Parish Trust
Supporting people through bereavement has long been a core part of our work. We offer The Bereavement Journey—a structured, compassionate course developed by AtaLoss that helps people process their grief in a safe, supportive environment. Whether someone is newly bereaved or carrying longstanding pain, the course provides space to reflect, understand, and an opportunity to begin to heal, move forward, and find reassurance that life can be liveable after loss.
In addition to this group-based support, The Parish Trust offers one-to-one pastoral care to those seeking comfort and guidance after the death of a loved one. We believe deeply in meeting people where they are—with no assumptions, no pressure, and no expectation—just a steady presence and a listening ear.
As a Christian charity, our approach is rooted in the values of compassion, dignity, and hope. But our support is open to all, regardless of belief. Everyone deserves the chance to grieve well and be supported in doing so.
The Work of AtaLoss and National Collaboration
Our ability to offer The Bereavement Journey is thanks to our partnership with AtaLoss, a national charity that equips organisations and individuals to support people in grief. AtaLoss has been instrumental in developing resources, raising awareness, and building networks of support across the UK.
As national Ambassador for The Bereavement Journey in Wales, The Parish Trust works alongside AtaLoss to ensure that high-quality, compassionate bereavement support is available in communities across the country. Dean’s presence in the APPG strengthens this partnership and helps carry its message into Parliament: that grief needs space, support, and understanding.
Looking Ahead
At The Parish Trust, we know that grief is a part of every life and support for the bereaved must be part of every community. Through our involvement in the APPG, we will continue to listen, advocate, and help shape a society that recognises the impact of death not just with sympathy, but with action.
To find out more about the APPG or the work of AtaLoss, visit the AtaLoss website.
