When someone we love dies, we experience overwhelming feelings of loss and sorrow, which we call grief. 

Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help during a time of grief and some people decide to seek help from bereavement support services. There are many options available ranging from immediate support accessed by contacting a helpline or bereavement counselling which usually requires a period of waiting.

Whatever you decide it is important to know that there is support available should you want it.

Samaritans

Has a 24/7 confidential helpline available for people to talk about any difficult issues they may be facing, including coping with grief.

Call: 116 123

Find out more: samaritans.org

The Lullaby Trust

Offers a Helpline to bereaved families, carers and professionals involved with bereaved families and anyone concerned about or affected by the death of a baby or young child.

They also provide a Befriender service where bereaved family members are put in touch with others who have been through a similar experience.

Helpline: 0808 802 6868 Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun 6pm – 10pm

 Find out more: lullabytrust.org.uk

Sands

Stillbirth and neonatal death charity supporting those who have experienced the loss of a baby. Bereavement support available includes a weekday helpline, local bereavement support groups and online forum for bereaved parents.

Call: 0808 164 3332

Email: helpline@uk-sands.org

Find out more: sands.org.uk

Child Bereavement UK

Provides support for families when a baby or child dies. Support available includes face-to-face support, family support groups, bereavement support helpline and Young People’s Advisory Groups (YPAG) for bereaved young people up to age 25.

Call: 0800 02 888 40

Find out more: childbereavementuk.org

Child Death Helpline

Has a weekday and evenings helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child.

Call: 0800 282 986 or 0808 800 6019

Find out more: childdeathhelpline.org.uk

Winston’s Wish Helpline

A helpline offering support, information and guidance for a child or young person who has been bereaved.

Call: 08452 03 04 05

Find out more: winstonswish.org.uk

BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)

Find a BACP therapist in your local area.

Call: 01455 883300

Find out more: bacp.co.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

Provides support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when they have lost someone close to them.

Call: 0808 808 1677 (Freephone helpline open weekdays 9.30-5pm).

Find out more: cruse.org.uk

Hope Again

Interactive site where people aged 11-18 can share their personal stories of losing a loved one, read about the experiences of others and get advice from qualified young people.

Find out more: hopeagain.org.uk

Your GP or Health Visitor can also help you to access services, such as counselling/therapy or mental health support.