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. 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.
T: 08457 90 90 90
W:www.samaritans.org
Medical Emergencies - dial 999
Medical advice in a non-emergency situation - dial 111
NHS Choices
W: 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
ALL AGE
Cruse Bereavement Care
Helpline: 0844 477 9400 Mon-Fri 0930-1700
E: [email protected]
Young Person's helpline: 0808 808 1677 FREE
W: www.crusebereavementcare.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
T: 01924 200799
W: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
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)
T: 020 7436 5881
E: [email protected]
W: www.uk-sands.org
Welcomes calls from anyone affected by a stillbirth or a baby, family, friends or professionals including long after the event.
Child Bereavement UK
T: 01494 568900 for the Information & Support Team
W: www.childbereavement.org.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
T: 0800 282986 FREE
Mon-Fri 1000-1300, Weds only 1300-1600
Every day 1900-2200
W: 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
Helpline: 08452 03 04 05
W: www.winstonswish.org.uk
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)
T: 0845 123 2304
Every day of the year 1000-1600 and 1830-2230
W: 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
T: 020 7843 6309
W: childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
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).
W: click here for the page to find support in your area
T: If you cannot find what you want on the website call this number: 0800 800 4361FREE
OTHER SPECIALIST SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
London Friend
LGBT Bereavement Helpline
T: 0207 7837 3337 (Tues 0207 1930 2130)
W: www.londonfriend.org.uk
Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people expecting or experiencing bereavement and also for their families and friends.
Macmillan Cancer Support
T: 0808 808 0000 FREE
Mon- Fri 0900-2100
W: 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)
T: 0300 012 4929
W: www.wayfoundation.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
E: [email protected]
T: www.way-up.co.uk
The organisation that has grown out of WAY (above) for people in their 50's and 60's
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
T: 0844 561 6855 Lines are open 0900-2100 every day
W: www.uk-sobs.org.uk
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.
W: www.bacp.co.uk includes a 'Find a Counsellor' section
T: 01455 883300, Mon - Fri 0845-1700
DEATH OF A PET
The Blue Cross
T: 0800 096 6606 FREE Everyday 0830-2030
W: www.bluecross.org.uk
Telephone and email support following the loss of a companion animal.
PRACTICAL ISSUES
Citizens Advice
W: www.adviceguide.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
W: www.gov.uk
Official portal to UK national and local government services.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
T: 020 7008 1500
W: www.fco.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
T: 0300 500 5000
W: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
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
W: 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.
Both of these organisations below can help prevent unwanted mail to the deceased:
The Bereavement Register
T: 0800 082 2233 FREE
W: www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk
Deceased Preference Service
T: 0800 068 44 33 FREE
W: www.deceasedpreferenceservice.co.uk
FUNERALS
Institute of Civil Funerals
T: 01480 861411
W: www.iocf.org.uk
Trains, regulates and can provide details of civil funeral celebrants.
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
T: 0845 230 1343
W: www.nafd.org.uk
Largest professional association of funeral directors with Code of Practice and Arbitration Scheme.
British Humanist Association
T: 020 7324 3060
W: click here for the relevant page on the website
Provides information on and officiants for non-religious funerals.
Natural Death Centre
T: 01962 712690
W: www.naturaldeath.org.uk
Information on 'green' funerals and arranging a funeral yourself.
Funeral Map
T: 0845 004 8608
W: www.funeralmap.co.uk
Please be aware that inclusion of an organisation in this list does not constitute an endorsement of their services.