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
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
- www.cruse.org.uk
- helpline@cruse.org.uk
- 0808 808 1677
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)
- 0808 164 3332
- helpline@sands.org.uk
- www.sands.org.uk
Welcomes calls from anyone affected by a stillbirth or a baby, family, friends or professionals including long after the event.
Child Bereavement UK
- 0800 028 8840 for the Information & Support Team
- www.childbereavementuk.org
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
- 0800 282986 (Mon-Fri 10am to 1pm, Weds only 1pm to 4pm, Every day 7pm to 10pm)
- www.childdeathhelpline.org
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)
- 0845 123 2304 (Every day of the year 10am to 4pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm)
- www.tcf.org.uk
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).
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.
- 0300 330 0630 Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm
- www.londonfriend.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
- 0808 808 0000 (Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm)
- www.macmillan.org.uk
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)
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
- info@way-up.co.uk
- www.way-up.co.uk
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.
- 0300 111 5065 Lines are open 9am to 9pm every day
- www.uk-sobs.org.uk
Find a counsellor
British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Professional association and accrediting body for counsellors.
- www.bacp.co.uk includes a 'Find a Counsellor' section
- 01455 883300, Mon - Fri 8.45am to 5pm
Death of a pet
The Blue Cross
Support following the loss of a companion animal.
- 0800 096 6606 everyday 8.30am to 8.30pm
- www.bluecross.org.uk
Practical issues
Citizens Advice
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
Official portal to UK national and local government services.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- 020 7008 1500
- gov.uk follow links to Travelling & Living Abroad - contact us
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.