Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a loved one. The shock sets in immediately, and the grieving process is an incredibly painful and overwhelming process to go through. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Bereavement charities are there to offer support and advice to those who are grieving. They also provide advice and support for families expecting a loss, for example, if an elderly relative is very ill.
Many charities offer bereavement counselling and support to children, young adults, and parents/carers. Many UK bereavement charities specialise in a specific kind of bereavement, such as child or end-of-life bereavement. Volunteers who work for bereavement charities in the UK are trained in all types of bereavement and grief, so they can help you find reassurance.
Bereavement charities offer both one-to-one support services as well as support groups too, such as family groups, groups for parents, and groups for young people.
We have put together a list of all the best bereavement charities in the UK that range from charities that offer support for all types of bereavement to others that are for one kind of bereavement.
There are several national and local organisations that provide support and resources for people who have lost a loved one. Some of the major organizations include Cruse Bereavement Care, The Samaritans, The Good Grief Trust, Grief Encounter, The Compassionate Friends, and The Bereavement Trust.
These organisations offer a range of services such as counselling, support groups, helplines, online resources, and training for professionals. They also have a local presence, such as local support groups, and volunteers that can offer support in person.
It’s important to note that grief is a personal and individual experience, and different organisations may have different approaches and focus on different aspects of the grief process. It’s important to find the right organisation that can provide the support and resources that you need.
What do bereavement charities do?
Bereavement charities in the UK provide support and resources for people who have lost a loved one. The specific services offered by these organisations can vary, but some common services include:
Counselling
Many bereavement charities offer counselling services for individuals, couples, families, and children. These services may be provided by trained professionals such as counsellors or therapists.
Support groups
Many bereavement charities offer support groups for people who have experienced a loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their loss.
Helplines
Many bereavement charities operate helplines that are available to provide emotional support and practical advice to people who have experienced a loss.
Online resources
Many bereavement charities have websites that provide information and resources on coping with grief, as well as online forums and support groups.
Training
Many bereavement charities offer training for professionals such as counsellors, social workers, and healthcare workers, to help them better understand and support people who have experienced a loss.
Advocacy
Some charities also advocate for better support for the bereaved and for policy changes that can improve the experience of bereavement for people.
Support for specific groups
Some charities may focus on providing support for specific groups, such as people who have lost a child, a spouse, or who have experienced a traumatic loss.
It’s important to note that grief is a personal and individual experience, and different organisations may have different approaches and focus on different aspects of the grief process. It’s important to find the right organisation that can provide the support and resources that you need.
How can I get help from a bereavement charity?
There are several ways to get in touch with a bereavement charity to seek help:
Contacting the charity directly
Many bereavement charities have websites that provide information on their services and how to contact them. You can find the contact details of the charity on their website and get in touch with them via phone, email or through the contact form on their website.
Helplines
Many bereavement charities operate helplines that are available to provide emotional support and practical advice to people who have experienced a loss. You can find the contact details for the helpline on the charity’s website.
Local Services
Some charities have local services such as support groups, counselling centres and other forms of support. You can find the contact details for the local services on the charity’s website.
Referral from GP or other healthcare professionals
Your GP or other healthcare professionals may be able to provide you with information on bereavement charities in your area that may be able to help you.
Referrals from other organisations
Other organisations that you may be involved with, such as a church, school, or workplace, may also be able to provide you with information on bereavement charities that may be able to help you.
It’s important to keep in mind that grief is a personal and individual experience, and different organisations may have different approaches and focus on different aspects of the grief process. It’s important to find the right organisation that can provide the support and resources that you need. Don’t hesitate to contact different organisations to find the right fit for you.
Here are ten of the most widely used bereavement charities in the UK, click through to our list of charities to find out more
- Cruse Bereavement Care – operates throughout the UK, providing counselling, support groups, a helpline and online support. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.cruse.org.uk/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- The Samaritans – operates throughout the UK, providing 24-hour emotional support, support groups and online support. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.samaritans.org/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- The Good Grief Trust – operates throughout the UK, providing support groups, counselling and training for professionals. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.goodgrieftrust.org/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- Grief Encounter – operates mainly in London and the South of England, providing counselling, support groups, a helpline and online support. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- The Compassionate Friends – operates throughout the UK, providing support groups, online support and a telephone helpline. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.tcf.org.uk/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- The Bereavement Trust – operates throughout the UK, providing counselling, support groups, a helpline and online support. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.bereavement.org/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- Child Bereavement UK – operates throughout the UK, providing counselling, support groups, a helpline and online support for families who have experienced the loss of a child. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.childbereavementuk.org/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- Winston’s Wish – operates throughout the UK, providing counselling, support groups and online support for children and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. You can get in touch with them by visiting their website (https://www.winstonswish.org/) or by phone, email or through their contact form.
- SANDS – operates throughout the UK, providing counselling, support groups, a helpline and online support for those who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or infancy. You can get