* 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 we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK [email protected] 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. We will provide support whether the crash was recent or a long time ago, and whether it occurred in this country or abroad. CONTACT WEBSITE [email protected] HELPLINE 0808 8000 401 TEL: 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. CONTACT WEBSITE [email protected] 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. Telephone befriending service. Events and email newsletter. Useful resources 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
* Childline National helpline for children under 19 talk about anything. 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/
* 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: 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
* 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
* WAY - Widowed & Young* AtaLoss.org Associate, Widowed and Young (WAY) offers a peer to peer support network for widowed men and women aged 50 and under. Expand WAY is a membership organisation that offers a unique peer-to-peer support network to anyone who’s been widowed at a young age. Talking to and socialising with others who’ve been through a similar experience can be a lifeline when you’re adjusting to life after loss. WAY is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation. When you join WAY, there will always be someone to talk to – whether online through our members only website or closed Facebook groups, or in person at local and national meet ups. They have 3,000 members across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK Email: [email protected]
* Winston's Wish Helping bereaved children rebuild their lives following the death of a parent or sibling. Expand Winston’s Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. They offer the widest range of practical support and guidance to children, families, professionals and anyone concerned about a bereaved child. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK [email protected] Tel: 01242 515157 Helpline: 08088 020 021
**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. The charity was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in May 2017 and the founder was awarded an MBE in December 2017 for services to those with addictions and their families. Call our helpline – 0300 888 3853 The helpline line is available between 9am and 9pm seven days a week. Many of our 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. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK [email protected] 01494 442777, or 0300 888 3853 open seven days a week
**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.
*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. Contact or stay in touch: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/childbereavementuk Twitter : https://twitter.com/cbukhelp Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/childbereavementuk WEBSITE LINK [email protected] National helpline: 0800 02 888 40 – Monday - Friday 9 am to 5pm.
*Cruse Bereavement Care - HQ Bereavement counselling and services across the country. Expand The Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement..The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when we’re open until 8pm.The number is 0808 808 1677 CONTACT HELPLINE 0808 808 1677
*Cruse Bereavement Care - Oxfordshire Bereavement counselling and services across the country. Expand Cruse offers face-to-face, telephone, email and website support. We have a Freephone national helpline and local services, and a website (hopeagain.org.uk) specifically for children and young people. Our services are provided by our network of 5,000 trained volunteers and are confidential and free. Provides counselling through individual and group support, including a group for people bereaved by suicide. Contact WEBSITE LINK [email protected] Tel 01865 245398 (10.00 -13.00 weekdays)
*Meningitis Now Awareness raising and support for the bereaved following a death 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
*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. We are about; Preventing loss of life from SADS, Sudden DeathHighlighting cardiac risk in the young through to middle ageFunding lifesaving equipmentSupporting research into SADS CONTACT WEBSITE LINK Tel. 01277 811215 E-Mail [email protected]
*Samaritans Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope 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
*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
*TCF - The Compassionate Friends Online bereavement support and local contacts providing a safe environment for bereaved parents and families. Expand The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age and from any cause. Many people who have suffered the loss of a child feel a bond with others in the same situation and wish to extend the hand of friendship. TCF offers support, both directly to bereaved families, and indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness. In TCF, “family” covers a broad spectrum of relationships. They aim to help any individual or family affected by the death of a child, including unmarried partners, adoptive parents, step families, same sex couples and single parent families. TCF has no religious affiliation and offers support to bereaved families irrespective of the age of the child, cause of death, ethnic, social or political background.TCF provides support in two ways: Through online support groups that address specific bereavement needs. These groups are listed separately on this website. Through local support groups. TCF local contacts provide a safe environment for bereaved parents and their families to share their experience of loss in the company of others who understand their grief. They are there if you would just like to talk, in person, by phone or by email. They can also put you in touch with other parents in your area. Please go to the TCF website to search for a local group in your area. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK [email protected] Helpline: 0345 123 2304 Helpline Hours: Daily, 365 days a year, from: 10.00am to 4.00pm & 7.00pm to 10.00pm
*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]
*The Coroners' Courts Support Service Trained volunteers offer emotional and practical support to bereaved families attending the Coroner's Court and a national helpline where you can find advice and information about inquests. Expand The CCSS is a registered charity whose trained volunteers offer emotional and practical support to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at the Coroner's Court. CCSS aims to:-support practically and emotionally the family and witnesses attending the Coroner’s Courts.-liaise with other parties appearing before the court to ensure their understanding of its role and the procedures in order to facilitate its smooth and effective administration.-to signpost families and witnesses to other agencies if so requested, for ongoing help with coming to terms with their bereavement. The CCSS currently provides face to face support in a growing number of Coroners Courts in England and has plans to expand nationwide. You can find out HERE which courts CCSS currently provides support. They also run a helpline which will provide support across the UK. The helpline is available Monday – Friday 09.00-19.00 and Saturday 09.00-14.00. The telephone number is 0300 111 2141 and email is [email protected]. CONTACT WEBSITE LINK Email: [email protected] This booklet gives free and helpful information about inquests and the Coroners Courts Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People