And please let us know if you would like your organisation linked to this page (Please note we cannot list commercial organisations).
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 07803 751229; Office: 01785 283 434
Website: www.achildofmine.org.uk
Services: Support for anyone affected by the death of a child through website and support groups. Also working to improve bereavement care for parents and families who have lost a child. Some sibling support.
Hours: Helpline: 09.00-17.00
Area served: All of Ireland
Telephone: 0035 3 (1) 4045378
Website: www.anamcara.ie email: info@anamcara.i.e
Services: An all Ireland organisation providing online and face to face peer support services for bereaved parents and siblings.
Area served: Exeter, Mid and East Devon
Telephone: 01392 826064
Website: www.balloonscharity.co.uk
Services: Balloons is a charity that provides support for children, young people and their families before an expected death, or following the death, of someone significant in their lives. They work across Exeter, Mid and East Devon, providing a dedicated phone line, one-to-one support with children and young people in the above areas.
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline 0808 8000401
Website: www.brake.org.uk
Services: National organisation offering various forms of support for road crash victims.
Hours: Helpline Hours M - F 10 - 4pm
Area served: National
Telephone: 029 2081 0800
Website: www.careforthefamily.org.uk
Services: A Christian organisation, offering hope and comfort to those who have a lost a child of any age, in any circumstance and at any time following the death – through a telephone support network, events and a regular email newsletter.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0207 843 6309 (message taking facility)
Website: www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
Services: A national multi-professional federation of organisations and individuals working with bereaved children and young people. Also has information directory of local support.
Hours: N/A
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 0288 840
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Services: Supporting families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 282 986 (Freephone) or free mobile 0808 800 6019
Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
Services: A Freephone service for all those affected by the death of a child. Helpline volunteers are all bereaved parents.
Hours: Open 365 days a year: every evening 19.00- 22.00 Mon -Fri 10 - 13.00 Tues 13.00 -16.00 and Wed 13.00-16.00
Area served: National
Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Services: Search for a counsellor or psychotherapist near you (dedicated bereavement section)
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0808 808 167; Office: 020 8939 9530
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Services: Support after the death of someone close.
Area served: Berkshire and Surrounding Area
Telephone: 0118 934 2604
Website: www.daisydrram.org.uk
Services: One to one support for bereaved children and families across Berkshire and Surrounding area. Also support where serious illness diagnosed or when facing bereavement.
Hours: M-F 09.30-17.00
Area served: North Staffordshire and Cheshire
Telephone: 01782 683 155
Website: www.thedoveservice.org.uk
Services: Support and counselling for anyone affected by bereavement and/or a life limited/changing illness across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Counsellors specialise in working with bereaved children, young people and families.
Area served: National
Website: www.dyingmatters.org
Services: Raising awareness of dying, death and bereavement.
Area served: London/Essex
Telephone: 07814 550375
Website: www.edenstrust.org.uk
Services: To provide a network of support/survival groups, workshops, education and crisis counselling for those who have suffered the loss of a child. To raise awareness and to promote education about personal safety both at home and abroad. They offer two centres in London where 'healing' groups/workshops take place: Wanstead E11 and Southwark, SE1.
Area served: West Midlands/Staffordshire/Shropshire/Warwickshire/Worcestershire
Telephone: 0121 454 1705
Website: www.thelauracentre.org.uk
Services: Holistic family bereavement services supporting children, young people and parents. Also anyone affected by the death of a child.
Hours: 09.00-17.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 800 2222
Website: www.familylives.org.uk
Services: Confidential, free helpline service (previously known as Parentline). Offers information, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life.
Hours: Available 9 am - 9 pm, Monday - Friday and 10 am - 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 802 0925 (Freephone); Office: 020 7428 5400
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Services: Information on financial and legal issues, childcare for single parent families. Local support groups. Regional organisations: One Parent Families Scotland. Gingerbread NI (Northern Ireland).
Hours: Mon 10.00 -18.00 Tues/Thurs/Fri 10.00-16.00 Wed 10.00-13.00/17.00-19.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 020 8371 8455 (Helpline)
Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk
Services: Free Helpline, email support, specialist resources and family programme.
Hours: N/K
Area served: Essex
Website: www.hbbscounselling.org
Services: Helping people through bereavement.
Area served: Leicester, Derby and Coventry
Website: www.thelauracentre.org.uk
The Laura Centre offers specialist bereavement counselling to parents whose child has died and to children or young people who have been bereaved of a parent or significant person.
Based in Leicester, with centres also in Derby and Coventry, the centre offers wide ranging individual and group support as well as a variety of alternative therapies. They have recently started working with the Zephyr Project offering counselling services at Nottingham City Hospital.
Area served: Orpington, Kent
Telephone: 07734 009630
Website: www.livingon.org.uk
Services: Offers bereavement support to children, young people and families in Orpington, Kent, when someone they love has died.
Area served: London
Website: www.bereavement.org.uk
Services: Counselling service for the the City and East London.
Area served: Liveroool Area
Telephone: 0151 252 3145 or text 07566 225 253
Website: www.lovejasmine.org.uk Email: support@lovejasmine.org.uk
Services: A bereavement support charity offering support to bereaved families in the Liverpool area. Set up by a couple following the tragic loss of their daughter, Jasmine. Support offered through One to one counselling, Adult Groups, Family Group Work, Sibling Support Groups (for children between the ages of 4-11) and Coffee Mornings.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 - 3pm.
Area served: Bristol and South West
Telephone: 0117 985 3343
Website: www.rainbowcentre.org.uk email: contact@rainbowcentre.org.uk
Services: Free professional support for children and their families affected by bereavement or life threatening illness.
Hours: M-F 10.00-16.00
Area served: Hampshire
Telephone: 023 8064 7550
Website: www.simonsays.org.uk
Services: Bereavement support for children and their families. Also support and training to schools. Support groups in Hampshire and a specific teenage group (11-18 years)
Hours: Answering machine service
Area served: North London
Telephone: 07532 423 674
Website: www.slowgroup.co.uk
Services: Meetings for bereaved parents are held every week for an hour and a half at a North London base.
Area served: National
Website: www.tamba.org.uk/bereavement
Services: Supports all parents and carers of multiples who have experienced loss whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or at any point afterwards.
Area served: Staffordshire
Telephone: 01543 449069
Website: www.violetsinbloom.org email: info@violetsinbloom.org
Services: Offers general bereavement support for bereaved parents including a retreat in Wales. Also provides financial support towards funeral/headstone costs for children under 16.
Area served: National
Telephone: 01242 515 157. Freephone Helpline 08088 020 021
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Services: Offers practical support and guidance to bereaved children (3-18 years) and their families. Also practical support and guidance for those supporting a child who is bereaved at any age up to 18.
Hours: M-F 09.00-17.00 & Wed 19.00-21.30
Area served: Nottingham and surrounding areas
Telephone: 0115 924 9924 ext 66276 (Jackie Brown, Bereavement Facilitator)
Support offered to parents/bereaved families who have lost a baby/child or sibling of any age through
professional bereavement counselling; therapeutic writing and art workshops; specialist counselling for siblings affected by the death of a brother or sister; friendship and supportive conversation for anyone affected.
Zephyr's is a quiet, peaceful place for parents to meet hospital bereavement staff away from the clinical areas such as maternity units with all the difficult memories they may hold. And beyond our hospital staff, it is also open to GPs and other community health professionals who can use the centre as a meeting venue with bereaved parents.
Contact: Jackie Browne, Bereavement Facilitator Telephone:0115 9249924 ext 66276
E-mail jackie.browne@nuh.nhs.uk Website: Care Of Parents In Grief - (CoPinG)
Please leave a message on answering machine. Callers will be rung back asap.
Please let callers know support takes place in a hospital (helpful for parents to know especially if their child has died in a hospital environment).
Hours: Meetings take place 2nd Wednesday of each month
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 652 3181 (Freephone)
Website: www.climb.org.uk
Services: Information and support for children, young people, adults and families. Work with professionals. Provide family service team.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10.00 - 16.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 01737 363 222
Website: www.c-r-y.org.uk
Services: Offers help, support and counselling to families where there has been a sudden cardiac death of an apparently fit and healthy young person (aged 35 or under).
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17.00
Area served: Berkshire and Surrounding Area
Telephone: 0118 934 2604
Website: www.daisydrram.org.uk
Services: One to one support for bereaved children and families across Berkshire and Surrounding area. Also support where serious illness diagnosed or when facing bereavement.
Hours: M-F 09.30-17.00
Area served: North Staffordshire and Cheshire
Telephone: 01782 683 155
Website: www.thedoveservice.org.uk
Services: Support and counselling for anyone affected by bereavement and/or a life limited/changing illness across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Counsellors specialise in working with bereaved children, young people and families.
Area served: London and Oxford
Telephone: 0300 200 4112
Website: www.thelossfoundation.org
Services: Charity specialising in bereavement support for people who have lost loved ones to cancer. Offers free support groups in London and Oxford, plus other supportive events.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 808 0000
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Services: Practical, medical and financial support for those living with cancer. Also support for families and carers.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-20.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 8010 388 (nurse staffed); Office: 01435 768000
Website: www.meningitisnow.org
Services: Support and information before and after. Free counselling. Family days - children who have meningitis or lost someone to it. Financial grants.
Hours: Helpline: 09.00 -20.00 every day
Area served: National
Website: www.ncpc.org.uk
Services: Umbrella charity for all those involved in palliative, end of life and hospice care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Area served: Bristol and South West
Telephone: 0117 985 3343
Website: www.rainbowcentre.org.uk email: contact@rainbowcentre.org.uk
Services: Free professional support for children and their families affected by bereavement or life threatening illness.
Hours: M-F 10.00-16.00
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0808 800 0029; General no: 0800 389 6255
Website: www.sepsistrust.org.uk
Services: Support for anyone affected by sepsis. For whatever reason you have been affected, the UK Sepsis Trust support team is there to help you. You can contact them by email or phone and speak to one of their trained sepsis support nurses who can offer support and advice.
Area served: Hampshire
Telephone: 023 8064 7550
Website: www.simonsays.org.uk
Services: Bereavement support for children and their families. Also support and training to schools. Support groups in Hampshire and a specific teenage group (11-18 years)
Hours: Answering machine service
Area served: National
Telephone: Contact: Nikki Speed Co-Founder & Medical Lead email: info@sudc.org.uk
Website: www.sudc.org/uk
SUDC UK is dedicated to increasing awareness of sudden unexpected deaths in childhood and funding crucial research to better understand and prevent these tragedies. Co-founded by three SUDC bereaved mothers in memory of all SUDC children, they hope to make a difference by shining their light on SUDC.
SUDC UK is an affiliate of the SUDC Foundation, an international charity devoted solely to the needs of families and professionals touched by unexpected/unexplained deaths of children
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline 0845 123 8384
Website: www.murdered-abroad.org.uk
Services: A support organisation for families, partners and friends of the victims of murder and manslaughter abroad.
Area served: National
Telephone: 020 7553 7640 (this is not a helpline)
Services: Support for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Information, local support groups and helplines for anyone affected by someone else’s substance use.
Area served: National
Website: www.beadproject.org.uk
Services: A website with information and support for anyone bereaved through drug or alcohol use.
Area served: Falkirk, Scotland area
A bereaved by Suicide group based in the Falkirk area - welcomes all who are dealing with a painful loss through suicide.
Contact: neil.sowerby@fdamh.org.uk Tel: 01324 671600 or NHS Forth Valley Spiritual Care Team 24/7 no: 07824 460882 or Sandra Campbell 07947 825 464
Area served: Based in Cowdenbeath Scotland and supports people in Fife and surrounding areas
Telephone: 01383 610007; 07716 018 785
Website: www.curlystar.org
Services: A charity which supports family, friends and anyone affected by bereavement, particularly suicide in young people.
Area served: National
Telephone: 07715 209415
Website: www.escapingvictimhood.com
Services: A charity providing supportive residential workshops for people whose lives have been disrupted by the trauma of serious crime. They currently specialise in those bereaved by murder and manslaughter.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0208 939 9560
Website: www.facingthefuturegroups.org
The groups are completely free, limited to a maximum of eight people and delivered for six consecutive weeks. Individuals can self-refer. Facilitated by a Cruse and Samaritans volunteer specialising in suicide prevention and bereavement, the groups enable individuals bereaved by suicide to share their experiences with others in a safe, confidential space.
The groups have been designed to be as inclusive as possible: Those eligible to attend will be over 18 and bereaved by suicide for 3 months or longer. Please note the groups are not limited to bereaved parents...anyone who has been bereaved by suicide can attend.
Individuals do not have to reside in areas where the groups are located.
Area served: Inverness
Group in Inverness for parents of children and young people who have taken their own life. Next meeting will be in the Mercure Hotel, Inverness Town Centre on Sunday 20 May from 11 am to 1 pm.
More details: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/2407001/suicide-james-mullory-family-launch-mental-health-support-group/
Area served: Merseyside
Telephone: 0151 709 2994 Mobile: 07545 560 831
Website: www.ourlostloveyears.co.uk
O.L.L.Y supports children bereaved by homicide and culpable road death and also children from communities across Merseyside. We provide children and young people with a range of activities designed around their needs to re-gain the positive outlook in their lives and re-establish friendships while making new ones.
They also welcome children into their group who have not only lost a loved one from acts of violence, but also children who come from communities spread across Liverpool, Wirral and areas where there are high levels of unemployment, a high crime rate and gang culture. O.L.L.Y will always welcome children from all walks of life who wish to join in a wonderful group that is here to support via various activities that focus on their health and well-being.
Hours: 9-5pm
Area served: National
Telephone: HOPEline: 0800 068 41 41; Office: 01292 432 555
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Services: Papyrus' helpline: HOPELineUK is a specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling, or anyone who is concerned about a young person.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 01698 324502
Website: www.petalsupport.com
Services: Offers practical and emotional support, advocacy, group support and counselling for the families and friends of murder and suicide victims.
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0845 872 3440; Office: 0121 451 1618
Website: www.samm.org.uk
Services: Support for families bereaved by murder and manslaughter.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: Helpline: 08080 10 10 11
Website: www.sfad.org.uk
Services: Bereavement counselling service for families impacted by a drug related death. Provides counselling sessions and support groups.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 09.00-23.00 Sat & Sun: 17.00 -23.00
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0300 111 5065 9 am - 9 pm every day; Office 0115 944 1117
Website: www.uk-sobs.org.uk
Services: Support for adults bereaved by suicide.
Area served: Taunton and West Somerset
Telephone: 01823 334906
Website: www.mindtws.org.uk Email: bereaved@mindtws.org.uk
Services: The Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service at MIND in Taunton & West Somerset are setting up a monthly creative peer support group for young people (14 - 25) bereaved by suicide. MIND have a deep understanding of the issues facing young people after a suicide and would like to offer their experience and support to young people in a peer support environment. The group will have a 6 themed rolling monthly format. The facilitators will be experienced young people's suicide bereavement support workers and lived experience young people. Assessing if the young person is ready for the group will happen before joining. An explanation pack for the young person will be sent with a referral form to be signed by a care giver if appropriate.
Area served: National
Website: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Services: A very useful website detailing emotional and practical support available nationwide for anyone who has lost someone to suicide at any age. This organisation publishes a very useful booklet called 'Help is at Hand' which can be ordered via the website.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 0141 584 3211
Website: www.touchedbysuicidescotland.org
Services: A self help organisation in Scotland which exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. They run groups in Scotland.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 0345 603 9213
Website: www.victimsupportsco.org.uk
Services: Provides emotional support, practical help and essential information to victims, witnesses and bereaved relatives attending court, and others affected by crime.
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline 0808 8000401
Website: www.brake.org.uk
Services: National organisation offering various forms of support for road crash victims.
Hours: Helpline Hours M - F 10 - 4pm
Area served: National
Website: www.facebook.com/groups/DrowningSupportNetwork/
Services: Peer support to families who have lost a loved one to drowning and acquatic related tragedy.
Area served: London/Essex
Telephone: 07814 550375
Website: www.edenstrust.org.uk
Services: To provide a network of support/survival groups, workshops, education and crisis counselling for those who have suffered the loss of a child. To raise awareness and to promote education about personal safety both at home and abroad. They offer two centres in London where 'healing' groups/workshops take place: Wanstead E11 and Southwark, SE1.
Area served: Merseyside
Telephone: 0151 709 2994 Mobile: 07545 560 831
Website: www.ourlostloveyears.co.uk
O.L.L.Y supports children bereaved by homicide and culpable road death and also children from communities across Merseyside. We provide children and young people with a range of activities designed around their needs to re-gain the positive outlook in their lives and re-establish friendships while making new ones.
They also welcome children into their group who have not only lost a loved one from acts of violence, but also children who come from communities spread across Liverpool, Wirral and areas where there are high levels of unemployment, a high crime rate and gang culture. O.L.L.Y will always welcome children from all walks of life who wish to join in a wonderful group that is here to support via various activities that focus on their health and well-being.
Hours: 9-5pm
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0845 4500 355; Office: 020 7733 1603
Website: www.roadpeace.org
National charity for road crash victims.
As at June 2017 - RoadPeace has launched 2 new support services for road crash victims in Merseyside. They have introduced bi-monthly local support group meetings for families bereaved by road death and will also be running another 6 week trauma support group in the area. If you require any further information about these new services in Merseyside, please contact Belinda Rauli, Support Service Manager on 020 7733 1603.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 3230 096
Website: www.rlss.org.uk
Supports family and friends who have lost someone through drowning to fundraise, raise awareness and help prevent further tragedies.
This is still a relatively new service but they hope to provide practical support such as helping bereaved family members to instigate change in their community or legislatively, raise awareness within their communities to help prevent future drownings or set up a trust in their child's memory.
Area served: Scotland
Website: www.scid.org.uk
Services: Aims to provide practical and emotional support for families bereaved or victims injured by a road crash.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 652 3181 (Freephone)
Website: www.climb.org.uk
Services: Information and support for children, young people, adults and families. Work with professionals. Provide family service team.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10.00 - 16.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 808 3555 (Freephone); Office: 020 7608 8700
Website: www.cafamily.org.uk
Services: Provides support and information for families with disabled children. Local family support.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.30 - 15.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 652 6352 (Freephone); Office: 020 7803 4800
Website: www.muscular-dystrophy.org
Services: Free care and support. Research.
Hours: Mon-Fri 08.30 - 18.00
Area served: National
Website: www.stepchange.org
Services: Free, impartial debt advice to anyone in the UK experiencing financial problems. Can advise any parents suffering financial hardship following the loss of a child eg bedroom tax issues, or withdrawal of benefits after the loss of a disabled child.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 801 0322 (free helpline for advice and help); Office: 0207 378 1122
Website: www.bliss.org.uk
Services: Support and care for sick babies and their families. Also during pregnancy. Work alongside professionals too.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00 - 17.30
Area served: National
Website: www.brieflives-remembered.co.uk
Services: Supporting families when a baby or child dies. Specialises in tracing the resting place of babies who died many years ago.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 0288 840
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Services: Supporting families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Area served: Gloucestershire
Telephone: 01452 308 618
Website: www.footstepsandc.org.uk
Services: A charity supporting anyone who has experienced pregnancy/infant loss at any time and any age in the Gloucestershire area.
Area served: Cornwall
Website: www.forgetmenotcharity.org
Services: Support for bereaved parents in Cornwall who have experienced loss of a baby during pregnancy and birth.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 802 6868 (bereavement support); Office: 020 7802 3200; For information and advice 0808 802 6829
Website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk
Services: Confidential support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young toddler. Support offered for families, friends, carers and professionals. Helpline, Befrienders, Online discussion forum, Family Days, In Memory Site.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00 Weekends and public holidays: 18.00-22.00
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 01924 200799; Office: 01924 200795
Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Services: Information and support for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0808 1643332
Website: www.uk-sands.org
Services: Support for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 0141 357 3946
Website: www.scottishcotdeathtrust.org
Services: Offers support and information for families who have suffered the sudden and unexpected loss of a child.
Area served: Scotland
Website: www.simbacharity.org.uk
SiMBA was founded by a team of dedicated individuals in October 2005 in response to the needs of those in Scotland affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to the time of birth. SiMBA is about memories and support.
They help bereaved parents to spend time with their baby following their death and also to gather precious items for a Memory Box which they provide.
They offer support groups across Scotland and a Facebook Group.
Area served: National
Website: www.tamba.org.uk/bereavement
Services: Supports all parents and carers of multiples who have experienced loss whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or at any point afterwards.
Area served: Nottingham and surrounding areas
Telephone: 0115 924 9924 ext 66276 (Jackie Brown, Bereavement Facilitator)
Support offered to parents/bereaved families who have lost a baby/child or sibling of any age through
professional bereavement counselling; therapeutic writing and art workshops; specialist counselling for siblings affected by the death of a brother or sister; friendship and supportive conversation for anyone affected.
Zephyr's is a quiet, peaceful place for parents to meet hospital bereavement staff away from the clinical areas such as maternity units with all the difficult memories they may hold. And beyond our hospital staff, it is also open to GPs and other community health professionals who can use the centre as a meeting venue with bereaved parents.
Contact: Jackie Browne, Bereavement Facilitator Telephone:0115 9249924 ext 66276
E-mail jackie.browne@nuh.nhs.uk Website: Care Of Parents In Grief - (CoPinG)
Please leave a message on answering machine. Callers will be rung back asap.
Please let callers know support takes place in a hospital (helpful for parents to know especially if their child has died in a hospital environment).
Hours: Meetings take place 2nd Wednesday of each month
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 123 7015; Office: 020 8981 8001
Website: www.grandparentsplus.org.uk
Services: A national charity which champions the role of grandparents and the wider family in children’s lives – especially when they take on the caring role in difficult family circumstances, such as bereavement.
Area served: National
Telephone: 029 2081 0800
Website: www.careforthefamily.org.uk
Services: A Christian organisation, offering hope and comfort to those who have a lost a child of any age, in any circumstance and at any time following the death – through a telephone support network, events and a regular email newsletter.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0161 480 5156
Website: www.childrenofjannah.com
Services: Aim to meet the needs of grieving Muslims, providing practical, emotional and spiritual suport whilst educating friends, families, professionals and others to be able to better support them.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10.00-14.00
Area served: National (but mainly in London and Home Counties)
Telephone: 020 8951 3881
Website: www.jbcs.org.uk
Services: A service dedicated to bereavement counselling for those in the Jewish Community.
Area served: National
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
Area served: National
Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Services: Search for a counsellor or psychotherapist near you (dedicated bereavement section)
Area served: National
Website: www.depressionuk.org
Services: A national self-help charity promoting mutual support between individuals affected by depression, through pen and phone friend schemes, Internet Chat, and newsletters.
Area served: Leicester, Derby and Coventry
Website: www.thelauracentre.org.uk
The Laura Centre offers specialist bereavement counselling to parents whose child has died and to children or young people who have been bereaved of a parent or significant person.
Based in Leicester, with centres also in Derby and Coventry, the centre offers wide ranging individual and group support as well as a variety of alternative therapies. They have recently started working with the Zephyr Project offering counselling services at Nottingham City Hospital.
Area served: London
Website: www.bereavement.org.uk
Services: Counselling service for the the City and East London.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 123 3393; Office: 0208 519 2122
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Services: Information and advice on mental health issues. Legal advice. Local branches.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00
Area served: National
Website: www.samaritans.org
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline 0800 4 70 80 90, 24 hours, every day. Office: 020 7224 2020 (Office hours: 9am-6pm, Mon to Fri)
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Services: Free, confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
Area served: Taunton and West Somerset
Telephone: 01823 334906
Website: www.mindtws.org.uk Email: bereaved@mindtws.org.uk
Services: The Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service at MIND in Taunton & West Somerset are setting up a monthly creative peer support group for young people (14 - 25) bereaved by suicide. MIND have a deep understanding of the issues facing young people after a suicide and would like to offer their experience and support to young people in a peer support environment. The group will have a 6 themed rolling monthly format. The facilitators will be experienced young people's suicide bereavement support workers and lived experience young people. Assessing if the young person is ready for the group will happen before joining. An explanation pack for the young person will be sent with a referral form to be signed by a care giver if appropriate.
Area served: National
Website: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Services: A very useful website detailing emotional and practical support available nationwide for anyone who has lost someone to suicide at any age. This organisation publishes a very useful booklet called 'Help is at Hand' which can be ordered via the website.
Area served: National
Telephone: 01480 276088
Website: www.childfuneralcharity.org.uk
Services: Provides financial support in England and Wales towards the cost of a funeral for parents bereaved of a child under 16.
Area served: Staffordshire
Telephone: 01543 449069
Website: www.violetsinbloom.org email: info@violetsinbloom.org
Services: Offers general bereavement support for bereaved parents including a retreat in Wales. Also provides financial support towards funeral/headstone costs for children under 16.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 111 2141
Website: www.coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk
Services: This service offers information about the coroner’s court, the inquest itself, as well as offering practical and emotional support for those going through an inquest.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 802 0925 (Freephone); Office: 020 7428 5400
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Services: Information on financial and legal issues, childcare for single parent families. Local support groups. Regional organisations: One Parent Families Scotland. Gingerbread NI (Northern Ireland).
Hours: Mon 10.00 -18.00 Tues/Thurs/Fri 10.00-16.00 Wed 10.00-13.00/17.00-19.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0345 123 2352; Office: 0208 688 9555
Website: www.avma.org.uk
Services: Free and confidential advice and support service for people affected by medical accidents.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-15.30
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 808 0000
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Services: Practical, medical and financial support for those living with cancer. Also support for families and carers.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-20.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 020 8995 8503
Website: www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk
Services: Telephone professional advice and information on all aspects of medical and healthcare matters. Links to other helplines on website.
Hours: Mon-Fri 18.00-20.00
Area served: All of Ireland
Telephone: 0035 3 (1) 4045378
Website: www.anamcara.ie email: info@anamcara.i.e
Services: An all Ireland organisation providing online and face to face peer support services for bereaved parents and siblings.
Area served: Exeter, Mid and East Devon
Telephone: 01392 826064
Website: www.balloonscharity.co.uk
Services: Balloons is a charity that provides support for children, young people and their families before an expected death, or following the death, of someone significant in their lives. They work across Exeter, Mid and East Devon, providing a dedicated phone line, one-to-one support with children and young people in the above areas.
Area served: Cambridgeshire
Telephone: 0333 4141809
Website: www.centre33.org.uk email: help@centre33.org.uk
Services: General counselling, support and information for young people aged under 25 across Cambridgeshire and Ely.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0207 843 6309 (message taking facility)
Website: www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
Services: A national multi-professional federation of organisations and individuals working with bereaved children and young people. Also has information directory of local support.
Hours: N/A
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 0288 840
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Services: Supporting families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Services: For young people in danger or distress for any reason. Telephone and email counselling and support. Advice and information signposting.
Hours: 24 hours daily
Area served: Berkshire and Surrounding Area
Telephone: 0118 934 2604
Website: www.daisydrram.org.uk
Services: One to one support for bereaved children and families across Berkshire and Surrounding area. Also support where serious illness diagnosed or when facing bereavement.
Hours: M-F 09.30-17.00
Area served: North Staffordshire and Cheshire
Telephone: 01782 683 155
Website: www.thedoveservice.org.uk
Services: Support and counselling for anyone affected by bereavement and/or a life limited/changing illness across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Counsellors specialise in working with bereaved children, young people and families.
Area served: West Midlands/Staffordshire/Shropshire/Warwickshire/Worcestershire
Telephone: 0121 454 1705
Website: www.thelauracentre.org.uk
Services: Holistic family bereavement services supporting children, young people and parents. Also anyone affected by the death of a child.
Hours: 09.00-17.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 800 2222
Website: www.familylives.org.uk
Services: Confidential, free helpline service (previously known as Parentline). Offers information, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life.
Hours: Available 9 am - 9 pm, Monday - Friday and 10 am - 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Area served: National
Telephone: 020 8371 8455 (Helpline)
Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk
Services: Free Helpline, email support, specialist resources and family programme.
Hours: N/K
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk email: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk
Services: Bereavement support for young people.
Area served: Leicester, Derby and Coventry
Website: www.thelauracentre.org.uk
The Laura Centre offers specialist bereavement counselling to parents whose child has died and to children or young people who have been bereaved of a parent or significant person.
Based in Leicester, with centres also in Derby and Coventry, the centre offers wide ranging individual and group support as well as a variety of alternative therapies. They have recently started working with the Zephyr Project offering counselling services at Nottingham City Hospital.
Area served: Orpington, Kent
Telephone: 07734 009630
Website: www.livingon.org.uk
Services: Offers bereavement support to children, young people and families in Orpington, Kent, when someone they love has died.
Area served: National
Website: www.lonetwinnetwork.org.uk
Services: Support for surviving twin over age of 18 including support groups. Contact by post only. Small fee involved.
Hours: N/A
Area served: Liveroool Area
Telephone: 0151 252 3145 or text 07566 225 253
Website: www.lovejasmine.org.uk Email: support@lovejasmine.org.uk
Services: A bereavement support charity offering support to bereaved families in the Liverpool area. Set up by a couple following the tragic loss of their daughter, Jasmine. Support offered through One to one counselling, Adult Groups, Family Group Work, Sibling Support Groups (for children between the ages of 4-11) and Coffee Mornings.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 - 3pm.
Area served: Norfolk
Telephone: 01603 431 788
Website: www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk email: enquiries@nelson'sjourney.org.uk
Services: Support for bereaved children and young people up to 18 across Norfolk. One to one, weekend camps. Also advice and information for professionals.
Hours: M-F 09.00-17.00
Area served: Glasgow and Surrounding Areas
Telephone: 0141 339 2366
Website: www.notredamecentre.org.uk
Services: Holistic programme of practical and emotional support (including bereavement support) for children up to the age of 18. NB: referrals from Education Sector/NHS/Social Workers/Psychologists. Charge for 'self-referral.
Hours: M-T 09.00-17.00 Fri 09.00-16.00
Area served: Merseyside
Telephone: 0151 709 2994 Mobile: 07545 560 831
Website: www.ourlostloveyears.co.uk
O.L.L.Y supports children bereaved by homicide and culpable road death and also children from communities across Merseyside. We provide children and young people with a range of activities designed around their needs to re-gain the positive outlook in their lives and re-establish friendships while making new ones.
They also welcome children into their group who have not only lost a loved one from acts of violence, but also children who come from communities spread across Liverpool, Wirral and areas where there are high levels of unemployment, a high crime rate and gang culture. O.L.L.Y will always welcome children from all walks of life who wish to join in a wonderful group that is here to support via various activities that focus on their health and well-being.
Hours: 9-5pm
Area served: National
Telephone: HOPEline: 0800 068 41 41; Office: 01292 432 555
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Services: Papyrus' helpline: HOPELineUK is a specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling, or anyone who is concerned about a young person.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
Area served: Cornwall
Telephone: 01209 210624 or 01209 215889
Website: www.penhaligons.friends.org.uk
Services: Cornish charity supporting bereaved children and young people throughout the County. Offers the opportunity to meet others and share experiences. Also offers practical resources.
Hours: N/K
Area served: Bristol and South West
Telephone: 0117 985 3343
Website: www.rainbowcentre.org.uk email: contact@rainbowcentre.org.uk
Services: Free professional support for children and their families affected by bereavement or life threatening illness.
Hours: M-F 10.00-16.00
Area served: Oxfordshire
Telephone: 01865 744 768
Website: www.seesaw.org.uk
Services: Bereavement support for children up to 18. One to one and group support. Also training for teachers and other professionals supporting children.
Hours: M-F 08.30-16.30
Area served: Hampshire
Telephone: 023 8064 7550
Website: www.simonsays.org.uk
Services: Bereavement support for children and their families. Also support and training to schools. Support groups in Hampshire and a specific teenage group (11-18 years)
Hours: Answering machine service
Area served: Taunton and West Somerset
Telephone: 01823 334906
Website: www.mindtws.org.uk Email: bereaved@mindtws.org.uk
Services: The Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service at MIND in Taunton & West Somerset are setting up a monthly creative peer support group for young people (14 - 25) bereaved by suicide. MIND have a deep understanding of the issues facing young people after a suicide and would like to offer their experience and support to young people in a peer support environment. The group will have a 6 themed rolling monthly format. The facilitators will be experienced young people's suicide bereavement support workers and lived experience young people. Assessing if the young person is ready for the group will happen before joining. An explanation pack for the young person will be sent with a referral form to be signed by a care giver if appropriate.
Area served: National
Website: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Services: A very useful website detailing emotional and practical support available nationwide for anyone who has lost someone to suicide at any age. This organisation publishes a very useful booklet called 'Help is at Hand' which can be ordered via the website.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 0141 584 3211
Website: www.touchedbysuicidescotland.org
Services: A self help organisation in Scotland which exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. They run groups in Scotland.
Area served: National
Telephone: 01242 515 157. Freephone Helpline 08088 020 021
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Services: Offers practical support and guidance to bereaved children (3-18 years) and their families. Also practical support and guidance for those supporting a child who is bereaved at any age up to 18.
Hours: M-F 09.00-17.00 & Wed 19.00-21.30
Area served: Nottingham and surrounding areas
Telephone: 0115 924 9924 ext 66276 (Jackie Brown, Bereavement Facilitator)
Support offered to parents/bereaved families who have lost a baby/child or sibling of any age through
professional bereavement counselling; therapeutic writing and art workshops; specialist counselling for siblings affected by the death of a brother or sister; friendship and supportive conversation for anyone affected.
Zephyr's is a quiet, peaceful place for parents to meet hospital bereavement staff away from the clinical areas such as maternity units with all the difficult memories they may hold. And beyond our hospital staff, it is also open to GPs and other community health professionals who can use the centre as a meeting venue with bereaved parents.
Contact: Jackie Browne, Bereavement Facilitator Telephone:0115 9249924 ext 66276
E-mail jackie.browne@nuh.nhs.uk Website: Care Of Parents In Grief - (CoPinG)
Please leave a message on answering machine. Callers will be rung back asap.
Please let callers know support takes place in a hospital (helpful for parents to know especially if their child has died in a hospital environment).
Hours: Meetings take place 2nd Wednesday of each month
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedinneed.co.uk
Services: Small charity created by a group of widowed people with the aim of supporting widows and widowers in financial distress. Support is offered through grants.
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0808 808 167; Office: 020 8939 9530
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Services: Support after the death of someone close.
Area served: Based in Cowdenbeath Scotland and supports people in Fife and surrounding areas
Telephone: 01383 610007; 07716 018 785
Website: www.curlystar.org
Services: A charity which supports family, friends and anyone affected by bereavement, particularly suicide in young people.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 802 0925 (Freephone); Office: 020 7428 5400
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Services: Information on financial and legal issues, childcare for single parent families. Local support groups. Regional organisations: One Parent Families Scotland. Gingerbread NI (Northern Ireland).
Hours: Mon 10.00 -18.00 Tues/Thurs/Fri 10.00-16.00 Wed 10.00-13.00/17.00-19.00
Area served: National
Website: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Services: A very useful website detailing emotional and practical support available nationwide for anyone who has lost someone to suicide at any age. This organisation publishes a very useful booklet called 'Help is at Hand' which can be ordered via the website.
Area served: Scotland
Telephone: 0345 603 9213
Website: www.victimsupportsco.org.uk
Services: Provides emotional support, practical help and essential information to victims, witnesses and bereaved relatives attending court, and others affected by crime.
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedandyoung.org.uk
Services: Peer to peer support for men and women aged 50 or under when their partner died.
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedinneed.co.uk
Services: Small charity created by a group of widowed people with the aim of supporting widows and widowers in financial distress.
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedinneed.co.uk
Services: Small charity created by a group of widowed people with the aim of supporting widows and widowers in financial distress. The support is through small grants.
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedinneed.co.uk
Services: Small charity created by a group of widowed people with the aim of supporting widows and widowers in financial distress. Support is offered through grants.
Area served: National
Website: www.stepchange.org
Services: Free, impartial debt advice to anyone in the UK experiencing financial problems. Can advise any parents suffering financial hardship following the loss of a child eg bedroom tax issues, or withdrawal of benefits after the loss of a disabled child.
Area served: National
Website: www.widowedinneed.co.uk
Services: Small charity created by a group of widowed people with the aim of supporting widows and widowers in financial distress.
Area served: National
Telephone: Support: 0808 8088100; Office: 0117 916 6422
Website: www.act.org.uk
Services: Support and information for families where child (up to age of 24 years) has a life threatening or shortening condition. Work with professionals involved in care.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0800 096 6606
Website: www.bluecross.org.uk
Services: Pet bereavement support.
Area served: National
Website: www.donorfamilynetwork.co.uk
Services: A national charity providing awareness of organ donation and support for donor families.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0808 802 0925 (Freephone); Office: 020 7428 5400
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Services: Information on financial and legal issues, childcare for single parent families. Local support groups. Regional organisations: One Parent Families Scotland. Gingerbread NI (Northern Ireland).
Hours: Mon 10.00 -18.00 Tues/Thurs/Fri 10.00-16.00 Wed 10.00-13.00/17.00-19.00
Area served: National
Website: www.memorialsbyartists.co.uk
Services: Helps bereaved families to create unique and sensitively designed memorials for babies, children and young adults.
Area served: National
Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Services: Free and impartial money advice, set up by government. Support in person, over the phone or online.
Area served: National
Website: www.muchloved.com
Services: To create a memorial website for your loved one.
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 330 0700
Website: www.nct.org.uk
Services: Support and information through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Local branches.
Hours: Mon-Fri 08.00 - midnight except bank holidays
Area served: National
Telephone: 020 8940 2575
Website: www.reactcharity.org
Services: Support and improve quality of life of children and young people with potential terminal illness, especially if financial hardship. Holiday homes.
Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00
Area served: National
Telephone: 0300 100 1234
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Services: Counselling for relationship issues-couples, families, young people. Live chat facility available.
Hours: Mon-Thur 08.00-22.00 Fri: 08.00-18.00 Sat 09.00-17.00
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline: 0808 800 0029; General no: 0800 389 6255
Website: www.sepsistrust.org.uk
Services: Support for anyone affected by sepsis. For whatever reason you have been affected, the UK Sepsis Trust support team is there to help you. You can contact them by email or phone and speak to one of their trained sepsis support nurses who can offer support and advice.
Area served: National
Telephone: Helpline 0800 4 70 80 90, 24 hours, every day. Office: 020 7224 2020 (Office hours: 9am-6pm, Mon to Fri)
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Services: Free, confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
There are TCF groups in many countries around the world although not all have websites at present. If the country you are looking for is not listed, please contact our International Liaison Officer who will be able to help you.
AUSTRALIA
BELGIUM
Email: tcf.belgium@skynet.be (English speaking)
CANADA
FRANCE
GERMANY
LUXEMBOURG
Email: schonmariejeanne@gmail.com
NETHERLANDS
PHILIPPINES
SOUTH AFRICA
SWITZERLAND
TCF Switzerland (English speaking)
Email: scherrer_franziska@yahoo.com
USA
Each year thousands of parents suffer the loss of a son or a daughter. Please help us to support families in their time of greatest need.
