UK Bereavement Support Information
Experiencing the death of someone important to you is extremely painful and challenging. Grief is a natural reaction that affects people in many different ways. Managing your feelings of grief can be difficult and at times overwhelming. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief takes time and it is important that you look after yourself. You may find that you experience a range of feelings such as:
- Shock and numbness – a sense of loss of reality that this can’t be happening to you.
- Overwhelming sadness, with unexpected or very frequent crying.
- Emptiness, sadness, anger or guilt.
- Feeling anxious, hopeless or afraid of the future.
You may also experience physical symptoms such as:
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Feeling sick (nausea), loss of appetite or over-eating
- Unexplained aches and pains.
Your feelings can change very quickly and you may need support. Many people find it helps to talk to someone. While you may have supportive friends and family, there are other support groups, professionals and services that can also help if you need them. These range from one-on-one counselling sessions to group sessions where you meet with people who are also experiencing bereavement or practical advice. Bereavement support depends on your needs, preferences and local availability.
Below is a list of websites where you can find support to help you through your bereavement. Many of them include a telephone number, if you are unable to access the internet or prefer to speak to someone directly. You can also contact your GP or practice nurse to find out about services available locally.
At a Loss
A UK signposting website to help people find the right bereavement support services for them. You can filter results by the type of loss you’re experiencing, your age, and your location.
Breathing Space
Free and confidential phone and webchat service for people in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87
Bereavement Advice Centre
A free helpline and web-based information service provided by Co-op Legal Services.
Phone: 0800 634 9494
Counselling Directory
A directory of counsellors who can help you through your bereavement.
Cruse Bereavement Care
A national charity offering support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Phone: 0800 808 1677
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
A charity providing professional support for bereaved adults, children and families across Scotland.
Phone: 0800 802 6161
Good Grief Trust
A national bereavement charity offering a central place to find online bereavement information and support organisations.
Marie Curie
A bereavement support service provides trained support line officers/volunteers and spiritual care coordinators to listen to and help with practical and emotional concerns. It is not a counselling service.
Phone: 0800 090 2309
Mind
A charity providing advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health issue.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
National Bereavement Partnership
A support helpline, counselling referral and befriending service for all those suffering from bereavement, grief, and living loss.
Phone: 0800 448 0800
Samaritans
A 24 hour helpline offering confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress, despair or social thoughts.
Phone: 116 123
Silver Line
A free, confidential telephone service for older people across the UK providing friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 0800 470 8090
Sudden Bereavement
A charity providing help for suddenly-bereaved people due to illness, sudden events, or suicide.
Phone: 0800 2600 400
Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Family Association (SSAFA)
The Armed Forces Charity that offers support and advice to anyone who has served in the armed forces or who has lost someone who served.
Phone: 0800 260 6767
Need Urgent Help?
A mental health emergency is as serious as a physical one. If you need to get urgent help from a NHS health professional call 111 or 999 or visit your nearest A&E.
Phone: 111 or 999
The PEACE-COS team are not responsible for the content, reliability or availability of external websites within this webpage and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.
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