Useful contacts

There are so many organisations that provide invaluable information and support to people affected by bereavement. Some serve a specific geographical area or people affected by a particular type of death. To avoid this page becoming just another phone directory we have given details of just a selection below.

Please be aware that some of these organisations are staffed by volunteers and may provide an answer-machine service at times.

Emergency assistance

The Samaritans

24 hour helpline support every day of the year for anyone in distress including those who are feeling suicidal.

Medical Emergencies - dial 999

Medical advice in a non-emergency situation - dial 111

NHS Choices

www.nhs.uk

Gives access to find NHS services including hospitals and local doctors and helpful information on a huge variety of health related topics.

Psychological/emotional support for all ages

Cruse Bereavement Care

Helpline opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm (excluding bank holidays) with extended hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to 8pm

Young People's website: hopeagain.org.uk

Provides one-to-one and other support to the bereaved organised through local branches - find your local branch number on the website.

Information about bereavement and other issues on helpline and excellent bookshop on the website.

Death of a baby or child and/or children affected by a death

Miscarriage Association

Originally founded by people who had experienced miscarriage it continues to provide support and encourage good care by professionals.

Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)

Welcomes calls from anyone affected by a stillbirth or a baby, family, friends or professionals including long after the event.

Child Bereavement UK

A charity that has a dual focus of training professionals who work with families and children affected by a death which also produces excellent resources that can be used by those who are bereaved. This includes families and professionals supporting children affected by the death of an adult or anyone affected by the death of a child.

Child Death Helpline

Helpline support for anyone affected by the death of a child, irrespective of the age of the child, the relationship or the length of time since the death.

Provided by Great Ormond Street and Royal Liverpool Children's Hospitals.

Winston's Wish

Gives support for those caring for children affected by the death of a parent or a sibling and to the children themselves.

TCF (formerly The Compassionate Friends)

Support by telephone, befriending and local groups for anyone affected by the death of a child.

Please note that this charity supports people irrespective of the age of the child at the time of death i.e. the child may have reached adulthood.

Childhood Bereavement Network

Although this organisation is mainly a professional network their website has a good search facility on its front page to allow you to find support services for children in your local area.

Carers

Carers Trust

The new organisation for carers formed by the merging of Crossroad Care and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. (The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is still the title in Scotland).

Find support in your area

If you cannot find what you want on the website call this number: 0800 800 4361

Other specialist support organisations

London Friend LGBT Bereavement Helpline

Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people expecting or experiencing bereavement and also for their families and friends.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are a family member, carer or friend.

Way Foundation (Widowed And Young)

www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

Provides a self help network across the UK to those who are bereaved through losing their partner/spouse when aged 50 or under, together with their children.

Way Up

The organisation that has grown out of WAY (above) for people in their 50's and 60's

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

A self help organisation which exists to meet the needs of those bereaved by the suicide of a family member or anyone close to them.

Find a counsellor

British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Professional association and accrediting body for counsellors.

Death of a pet

The Blue Cross

Support following the loss of a companion animal.

Practical issues

Citizens Advice

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Advice is not available from a national number. This site gives information and links to local Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Gov.uk - public services all in one place

gov.uk

Official portal to UK national and local government services.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Government number for advice for deaths overseas or contacting relatives known to be overseas about a death in the UK. See website for numbers for contact details for individual embassies.

Money Advice Service

Clear unbiased information to help you manage your money better.

Specialist cleaning services

Please call us for details of companies nearest to your area.

FirstStop Advice

www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk

FirstStop Advice is an independent, free service providing advice and information for older people, their families and carers about care and housing options in later life. FirstStop also offers useful information for carers looking for support and advice.

Funerals

Co-op Funeralcare

www.coop.co.uk/funeralcare

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