Has Someone Close to You Died?
Grief happens when someone we care about dies. It can feel like a mix of emotions.
Everyone’s grief is different. It can feel like time stands still or nothing feels real.
Thoughts and Feelings
Grief can cause thoughts like “It’s my fault” or “I can’t live without them.”
Behaviours
Grief can change how we act. We might avoid people or places we went together.
Body experiences
Grief can cause physical symptoms like tiredness or changes in eating.
How do I cope?
Talk to family and friends. Remember grief is not the same for everyone.
Easy Read Document about what happens when someone dies
This is a link to an Easy Read Document about what happens when someone dies.
Who can I talk to?
Give the links below a try. It’s also good to talk to someone you trust. Even if they’re grieving too, it can be helpful to share feelings.
CRUSE Bereavement Care
Helpline: 0844 477 9400 9.30am to 5pm working days, and until 7pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, answered mainly by a team of trained volunteers.
The Compassionate Friends UK
National Helpline 0845 123 2304 is available for support and information daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm and 7.00pm to 10.00pm. The line is always answered by a bereaved parent.
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish national helpline 08452 030405 offers support, information, and guidance to all those caring for a child or young person who has been bereaved.
2wish
Support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. They provide immediate support, memory boxes, counselling and therapeutic services, group and peer support.
Child Bereavement UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying or when a child is facing bereavement.
Miscarriage Association
If you’ve been affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, we hope this website will provide the information that you’re looking for.
The WAY Foundation
WAY aims to support young widowed men and women as they adjust to life after the death of their partner – whether that was a month, a year, or ten years ago.
Call 0300 012 4929 or email info@wayfoundation.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. SOBS is a self-help organisation. Many of our volunteers have themselves been bereaved by suicide.
National Helpline – 0844 561 6855 9am to 9pm every day.
Practical Support & Advice
Bereavement Advice Centre
Supports and advises people on what they need to do after a death.
SBUHB – Bereavement
A web page offering advice and support to those recently bereaved including information regarding their Care After Death Service (if someone you know has died whilst in hospital.)
Ethnic Minorities Bereavement Support
Bereavement Support for ethnic minorities. It is difficult to deal with loss, and BAME MH is here for you. Call helpline for more information on 0800 144 88 24.
Some useful links
Anyone not in a position to purchase the books might be able to access them through their local library, click here to find your nearest service.
- Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery and Growth Through Grief by Judy Tatelbaum
- The 8 Keys to Trauma Recovery by Babette Rothschild
- Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss by Hope Edelman
- Overcoming Grief by Sue Morris
- Living on the Seabed: A Memoir of Love, Life and Survival by Lindsay Nicholson
- A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis