Bereavement support services for families, children and adults | Tenant news

Grief affects everyone differently, so if you’re having a hard time processing the passing of a friend or loved one, there are a few support services that can help you.

Support for families

Here are a few nationwide charities you can reach out to for counselling and advice:

• Cruse Bereavement Support will support you whatever stage of the grieving process you’re in, and for however long you’ve been grieving.
• The Compassionate Friends helps bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents that have lost a child from the age of one.
• Sands also offers support to bereaved families at the death of a child.
• Sudden – helps anyone who has lost a loved one unexpectedly.
• Widowed and Young supports those under the age of 50 who have lost their partner or spouse.
• Sue Ryder provides support for anyone who is facing the death of or struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Mind also has a useful contacts you could go for support with suggestions on how you can help yourself and others through grief.

All of these services are free via the NHS or a bereavement charity. If you’re looking for support near you, speak to your GP to be referred to a local service.

Support for children and young people

There are several charities that can help a child through the grieving process, giving them opportunities to communicate how they’re feeling through words, play, art, music or drama.

They include:

• Child Bereavement UK: support for grieving children and also the adults that are helping them through their time of loss.
• Hope Again offers a safe place for grieving children and young people to connect and feel less alone.
• Take Our Hand: bereavement care packages, therapy services and activities to young people between the ages of 16-25.

You’re not alone

Grief can leave you feeling isolated, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. If you’re struggling through the grieving process, please reach out to a professional so that you can get the help that you need.

Grief can affect people in different ways. If you’re finding it difficult to cope with depression or anxiety following the loss of a loved one, you can also reach out to one of the mental health charities we’ve listed in our cost of living support hub.