Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. It is characterised by grief, which is the process and the range of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss.
Losing someone important to us can be emotionally devastating - whether that be a partner, family member, friend or pet. It is natural to go through a range of physical and emotional processes as we gradually come to terms with the loss.
Bereavement affects everyone in different ways, and it's possible to experience any range of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Feelings of grief can also happen because of other types of loss or changes in circumstances, for example:
- the end of a relationship
- the loss of a job
- moving away to a new location
- a decline in the physical or mental health of someone we care about.
Useful contacts:
At a Loss
ataloss.org The UK's signposting website for the bereaved. They can help you find bereavement services and counselling. They also have resources on coronavirus pandemic bereavement.
Bereaved through Alcohol and Drugs (BEAD)
beadproject.org.uk Information and support for anyone bereaved through drug or alcohol use.
Blue Cross
bluecross.org.uk Animal charity that helps sick, injured and homeless pets.
Child Bereavement UK
0800 028 8840 childbereavementuk.org Support when a baby or child of any age is dying, or a child is facing bereavement.
The Compassionate Friends
0345 123 2304 tcf.org.uk Provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child.
Cruse Bereavement Care
0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk Information and support after a bereavement.
Dying Matters
dyingmatters.org Coalition of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, aiming to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
The Good Grief Trust
thegoodgrieftrust.org Charity run by the bereaved, helping all those suffering grief in the UK. Can help you find reassurance, advice and support. They have a detailed page of coronavirus bereavement advice.
Mood Diaries
medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker moodscope.com moodchart.orgmoodpanda.com Some examples of mood diaries – many more are available.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone) [email protected] Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK PO Box 90 90 Stirling FK8 2SA samaritans.org Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Sands
0808 164 3332 sands.org.uk Information and support for anyone affected by the death of a baby.
Sudden
0800 2600 400 sudden.org Support for people bereaved by sudden death.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
0300 111 5065 uk-sobs.org.uk Emotional and practical support and local groups for anyone bereaved or affected by suicide.
Widowed and Young (WAY)
widowedandyoung.org.uk Offers a peer-to-peer support network to anyone who was aged 50 or under when their partner died.
