Bereavement Support

Bereavement support

There are lots of ways to get support for bereavement. But it’s not always easy to find something that’s works for you. You might want to try a few different options to see what helps.

Bereavement support organisations

These organisations have specialised services that could help you cope with bereavement:

• At a loss – find bereavement services and counselling across the UK, including resources on bereavement during the pandemic.
• Child Bereavement UK – offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you’re a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone.
• Child Death Helpline – helpline for all those affected by the death of a child.
• The Compassionate Friends – find support for bereaved parents and their families, including a helpline.
• Cruse Bereavement Support – offers face-to-face, telephone, email and online support for anyone who has experienced a loss.
• Dying Matters – resources to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
• The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK. Provides information and stories about grief and bereavement, including a map of UK bereavement services.
• Hub of Hope – database of mental health services in the UK, including community, charity, private and NHS mental health support.
• The Loss Foundation – offers support to people who have lost someone to cancer. Includes free support groups, walking events, workshops and a peer connection service.
• Samaritans – if you’re struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
• Sands – information and support for anybody affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Support includes a helpline and live support chat.
• Sue Ryder – offers bereavement support, including ways of finding bereavement support online.
• WAY (Widowed and Young) – advice for people who have lost a partner before their 51st birthday.
• As well as supportive organisations, there are other people you could speak to if you’re struggling after a bereavement. For example, you could:
  • Speak to your GP. Mind has some information about talking to your GP which might help.
  • Look into options for bereavement therapy or counselling. Our information on how to find therapy or counselling has more information.
  • See if there’s support available through your employer or place of study, if you’re working or studying.
  • Visit your local community centre or library. They may have information about local bereavement support.
  • Seek support through your place of worship, if you have one.
  • Find support online. This could be online support groups or bereavement communities. Or through connecting with people with similar experiences on social media. Our pages on looking after your mental health online have more information on seeking support and staying safe online.