.ACIS Youth - Aberdeen Counselling Information Service Provides confidential therapeutic counselling free of charge for young people in the Aberdeen City area who are aged 12-18 years. Expand ACIS Youth offers counselling free of charge to support young people affected by bereavement and other issues. The service can be accessed directly by young people. Alternatively, confidential requests for counselling can be facilitated by others such as parents, social workers, youth services, teachers, GPs or any other agency, providing the young person has given their consent for others to do this on their behalf. WEBSITE LINK Contact: Email: [email protected] Telephone:01224 573892 1 Alford PlaceAberdeenAB10 1YD
.Age UK Support for older generation dealing with life issues Expand Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK they provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. Age UK stands up and speaks for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0800 678 1602
.Brake Helpline Support service for anyone bereaved as a result of a road traffic accident Expand Brake's helpline is a quality accredited, freephone support service, providing information and advocacy, emotional support and a listening ear. Calls are confidential and there is no time limit to our support. The helpline provides support for UK residents in the following circumstances: - bereaved or seriously injured in a crash - caring for someone bereaved or seriously injured in a crash - police officer, teacher or health worker, wanting advice about how to help people affected by a crash. They will also provide support whether the crash was recent or a long time ago, and whether it occurred in this country or abroad. Email: [email protected] Helpline: 0808 8000 401 WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Telephone: 01484 559909
.Cardiac Risk in the Young Support for people bereaved of a young person by sudden cardiac death Expand After a young sudden cardiac death, Cardiac Risk in the Young offer emotional support to the family, as well as clinical support through expert pathology and expert cardiology. CRY has trained a network of bereavement supporters, all of whom have been affected by young sudden cardiac death and can offer telephone bereavement support to families that have suffered a YSCD under the age of 35. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01737 363222
.Care for the Family Bereaved Parent Support Offers hope and comfort to those who have lost a child Expand Offers hope and comfort to those who have lost a child. Run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents, support is offered in the following ways: Telephone befriending Peer support from someone who has ‘been there’ and understands. All telephone befrienders have experienced the pain of loss first hand, but have also begun the journey towards hope and rebuilding. Bereaved Parent Support events Space and time away for those who are grieving to concentrate on rebuilding and facing the future with hope among people who understand. Newsletter Regular email newsletters with encouraging personal stories and helpful articles. Useful resources can also be found on the website. WEBSITE LINK Telephone: 029 2081 0800
.Care for the Family Widowed Young Support Supports those widowed at a young age Expand Losing a life partner at any age is heartbreaking. For those who are widowed while still young, it is simply devastating. Widowed Young Support is here to walk alongside you on your grief journey whether you were widowed recently or some years ago. Here you will find information about our telephone befriending service, our special day and weekend events, articles and real life stories. WEBSITE LINK Telephone: 029 2081 0800
.Child Bereavement UK Support for families and professionals supporting them when a baby or child dies or is dying or facing bereavement. Expand Child Bereavement UK helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They support children and young people up to the age of 25 who are facing bereavement, and anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Child Bereavement UK also provides training to professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families. National helpline: 0800 02 888 40 – Monday - Friday 9 am to 5pm. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Email: [email protected]uk.org Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/childbereavementuk Twitter : https://twitter.com/cbukhelp Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/childbereavementuk
.Childline National helpline for children under 19 talk about anything that is troubling them. Expand Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through, including bereavement or loss of any sort. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline will help any young person in the UK. Calling Childline is free and doesn’t show up on the phone bill. Call the Helpline: 0800 1111
.Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland Bereavement counselling and telephone support across Scotland Expand Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland is Scotland’s bereavement support charity. They offer a range of services to people who are experiencing grief: Information and advice National bereavement helpline and webchat service One-to-one counselling and listening Specialist support for children, young people and families Group and peer support (Fife, Midlothian & Glasgow) Support is offered locally, where possible, and also by telephone and online. Contact: Freephone helpline: 0808 802 6161 (Weekdays 9am-8pm Weekends 1pm-4pm) Email: [email protected] Webchat service: www.crusescotland.org.uk (Weekdays 9am-9pm) You can also follow them on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruseScot Twitter: https://twitter.com/CruseScotland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crusescotland/
.DrugFAM Support groups and advice following bereavement caused by drug and/or alcohol. Expand Providing a lifeline to families, friends and partners bereaved by addiction to drugs or alcohol, or related causes. Offering quarterly Sunday afternoon support groups and quarterly support for bereaved young people. One to one support for bereaved family members and home visits within reasonable distance. Their helpline line is available between 9am and 9pm seven days a week. Many of their clients feel a huge sense of relief at being able to talk to our trained support team and realise that they no longer have to cope on their own. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01494 442777 Helpline: 0300 888 3853 open seven days a week
.Independent Age Free and impartial advice and friendship services for older people on all issues affecting their lives. Expand Independent Age operates throughout the UK and provides free information and advice for older people and their families on care and support, money and benefits and health and mobility, along with friendship services to relieve loneliness, and all issues arising following a bereavement. The charity also uses the knowledge and insight gained from frontline services to challenge poor care and campaign for a fair deal for older people – a reasonable standard of living, fair access to information and an opportunity to contribute to their communities. If you are bereaved, Independent Age offers the following services. Telephone Friendship Service If you feel you could do with more conversation in your life, they’ll connect you with a volunteer who’s good company and wants to chat. This service operates throughout the UK in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Read more HERE . To arrange telephone befriending calls use the free helpline number below. Face-to-Face Friendship Service As you get older it’s common to find that your social circle starts to shrink. But it’s never too late to have a new friendship. If you prefer to see someone face to face, this service involves regular visits by fully trained volunteers, who have had all the necessary checks you’d expect and supported by Independent Age staff. It operates in England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more HERE. To arrange face to face visits use the helpline below. Information and Advice. This service operates in England although they will refer you to other services to help if they can't. Call the free helpline to access free and impartial advice service. 0333 250 7392 WEBSITE LINK Normal opening hours are as follows: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 6:30pm Weekends and bank holidays - Closed You can also email us at [email protected]
.Marie Curie Bereavement Support Marie Curie offers bereavement support to those bereaved due to a terminal illness. Expand Marie Curie, offer telephone bereavement support to those bereaved due to a terminal illness. This is a listening service, where you can access up to six sessions of support, delivered by our specially trained volunteers. Marie Curie Bereavement Service is not a counselling service. Their volunteers and spiritual care coordinators offer you a safe, confidential space to discuss your feelings and emotions around bereavement. The service may not be suitable for people who require a greater level of support, such as counselling or psychotherapy but you will be signposted to alternative support if that is the case. To find out more information: WEBSITE LINK The service can be accessed through the Marie Curie Information and Support Line 0800 090 2309.
.Meningitis Now Awareness raising and support for the bereaved following a death of a loved one from meningitis Expand Making a difference, every day, to save lives and rebuild futures through awareness, research and support, Meningitis Now is here to help you when you need them, for as long as you need them. They have Community Support Officers providing support across the UK in England, Scotland Northern Ireland and Wales. And although they are not bereavement specialists, they do have over 30 years’ experience of understanding the impact a sudden loss of a loved one from meningitis can have. Visit their website for the range of support they offer. You can access the Helpline by: Phone: 0808 80 10 388 (9am-4pm Monday - Thursday and 9am-1pm Friday) Email: [email protected]. Emails are answered during office hours only By post: Helpline, Meningitis Now, Fern House, Daniels Industrial Estate, Bath Rd, Stroud, GL5 3TJ CONTACT WEBSITE LINK [email protected] 01453 768000
.MIND & MIND CYMRU A national mental health awareness charity providing support and advice to people with mental health problems Expand MIND is a national mental health awareness charity providing support and advice to people with mental health problems, as well as campaigning to improve mental health services and understanding. We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. MIND's aim is to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. WEBSITE LINK Tel: 020 8519 2122 Tel MIND Cymru (for Wales) : 029 2039 5123
.National Bereavement Service Practical guidance and support following the loss of a loved one Expand The National Bereavement Service (NBS) provides practical guidance free of charge to families going through a bereavement Most people will have to take responsibility for all the practical arrangements after a death, at least once in their lives. For others, it can be many more times. In any circumstance, loss is a difficult and often distressing time. The National Bereavement Service (NBS) offers free practical and emotional support to guide you through what needs to be done, whether that’s finding a reliable funeral director or understanding more about the legal side of bereavement – and will provide emotional support to those who need extra comfort during this challenging time. They’re there to help – whatever that may be. Want to talk?Call us on 0800 0246 121 or use the live chat function at www.theNBS.org WEBSITE LINK Email: [email protected] Tel: 0800 0246 121 (Mon – Fri 9am– 6pm, Sat 10am – 2pm) Address: Office 10, Consett Innovation Centre, Ponds Court Business Park, Genesis Way, Consett DH8 5XP Verified
.SADS UK Charity committed to saving lives from premature cardiac arrest Expand The premature death of a healthy person is incomprehensible and devastating. SADS UK is able put you in contact with other charity members (by mutual consent) who have also experienced a sudden and unexpected bereavement of a loved one. BACP qualified bereavement counsellors can also be arranged to support people struggling with their grief. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Telephone: 01277 811215 E-mail: [email protected]
.Samaritans Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope with anything, including bereavement Expand Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline. TELEPHONE We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. We won't judge your or tell you what to do, we'll listen to you. CALL THE SAMARITANS 24/7 ON 116123 EMAIL Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what's on your mind. Especially if it feels too upsetting to talk about on the phone. Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to [email protected] You don't have to be suicidal to get in touch – nearly half of the emails we receive are from people who are having a tough time, but not suicidal. Sometimes people worry they can't write well – no matter your spelling, punctuation or how you express yourself, we're here. Average response time is 24 hours so call us if your need is urgent. WEBSITE LINK
.SAMM- Support after Murder and Manslaughter A national UK Charity supporting families bereaved by Murder and Manslaughter as well as advice and training to agencies on issues relevant to the traumatically bereaved. Expand After this type of bereavement you can feel lonely, frightened and isolated and truly feeling as if no one understands your pain and grief but everyone within SAMM knows how that trauma and pain can affect you. All our specially trained volunteers have been bereaved in this way. Talking confidentially to someone who does understand can be so helpful and make you realise that you are not alone with your pain and distress. We offer confidential non-judgmental support to anyone affected by murder or manslaughter via a telephone helpline, a secure on line forum, non-religious weekend retreats and seminars. WEBSITE LINK TELEPHONE: 0121 472 2912
.Sands - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity In Baby Loss Awareness Week, we focus on SANDS - a charity that provides support for parents and research following the death of a baby. READ MORE HERE Expand SANDS is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. It exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it. Sands provides bereavement support services both nationally through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups, and branches all of which are listed on this website. To find a branch close to you use the location filter to search in your geographic area. SANDS is the driver behind Baby Loss Awareness Week, a national campaign to raise the profile of baby loss and encourage anyone bereaved by baby loss to reach out for support. It is also an opportunity to commemorate all the babies lost. WEBSITE LINK CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0808 164 3332 (Free phone)
.SUDC UK The SUDC ( Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood ) Foundation provides family days and expert professional and peer bereavement support services. Expand SUDC UK is a charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research and bringing together families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). SUDC UK envisages a world where SUDC is predictable and preventable and provides information and resources for professionals and families. WEBSITE LINK Contact: Email: [email protected] Address: 19 Warren Park WayEnderbyLeicesterLeicestershireLE19 4SA
.Suicide Liaison Service Cornwall (OSW/CFT) This is a specialist service developed to support people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide Expand This is a specialist service developed to support adults over the age of 18 years who have been bereaved by suicide. The NHS in Cornwall has commissioned Outlook to provide the service across the county. They have trained professionals with expert knowledge, skills, and experience in helping those who have been bereaved in this way. The type of support they provide includes face-to-face contact with those who are left behind (family, loved ones or friends), information, practical support and guidance about the sorting out of personal affairs, as well as liaison with the Coroner's Office, the Police, media or faith groups where necessary. WEBSITE LINK To access this service call 01208 871905 or ask for a referral by your GP/health professional. Alternatively you can self refer via the website.
.TCF - The Compassionate Friends Online bereavement support and local contacts providing a safe environment for bereaved parents and families. Expand The Compassionate Friends The Compassionate Friends is a national organisation of bereaved parents offering support and understanding to others after the loss of a child, of any age, from any cause. Our national Helpline is staffed by volunteers who are bereaved parents themselves and offers support and information 365 days a year. The Compassionate Friends also offers a comprehensive website and moderated online community forum local and specialist support groups and one-to-one support, many of our support groups have moved online and are held via video conferencing during the pandemic a befriending scheme where the newly bereaved are ‘buddied’ by a volunteer longer-bereaved parent (Grief Companion Scheme) group support via social media in private, well-moderated Facebook groups information leaflets, bereavement support publications and a unique postal library on all aspects of bereavement support for adult bereaved siblings is also available Helpline: 0345 123 2304 Hours: daily from 10.00-16.00 and 19.00-22.00 WEBSITE LINK Contact: Email: [email protected]
.The Bereavement Journey (UK) Run over 6 weeks, The Bereavement Journey is a great place to talk and will help anyone coming to terms with a bereavement. Expand Run in 6 sessions and small facilitated discussion groups, The Bereavement Journey uses films and discussion to help guide people through the most common aspects of grief. It is for anyone who has been bereaved at any time, and although often run by churches, it is for people of any faith or no faith, as all the faith content is confined to the optional 6th and final session which looks at bereavement from a Christian perspective. The sessions, which have been developed and run over two decades by AtaLoss.org Trustee Jane Oundjian, has now been rolled out to churches and other organisations throughout the UK. Some session facilitators are listed on this website and there is a network of churches offering The Bereavement Journey. If you would like to know if one is running in your area search using the location filter on this website or email [email protected] Visit www.thebereavementjourney.org if you would like to know more about the sessions and to purchase resources that will help you.
.The Child Death Helpline Helpline for people affected by the death of a child under any circumstances. Expand The Child Death Helpline is staffed by volunteers, all of them bereaved parents. All of the volunteers are trained, supervised and supported by professional teams within Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. The helpline is a partnership between professionals and parents working together to provide a professional service to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Callers to the helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or involved professionals. They offer a confidential, safe environment within which a caller can talk openly about the child’s life and death. Callers are given the opportunity to freely express their worries and emotions. They provide support not only at times of crisis but also for ongoing needs of callers over their lifetime. The confidential helpline is not a counselling service but they are able to listen and provide helpful information of local services. The helpline is open every day of the year as follows: Monday: 10-1pm Tuesday and Wednesday: 1-4pm Every evening 7pm-10pm Calls are free, confidential & answered by trained volunteers who have personally experienced the death of a child. 0800 282 986 or 0808 800 6019 (from a mobile) WEBSITE LINK Email: [email protected]