The death of someone you know can be an emotional experience. There may be intense emotions that are not easy to cope with. Most bereaved people come through grief with the help of family and friends. For some people, extra support can be helpful. Bottling up difficult feelings can have damaging psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. Grief is not an illness or a weakness. It is a healthy and necessary response and experience.
If you feel you need to speak with someone urgently, you can call any of the support groups below.
Cruse Bereavement Care - National bereavement helpline - 0808 808 1677 - Mon & Fri 9.30am to 5pm - Tue, Wed & Thurs 9.30am to 8pm - Sat & Sun 10am to 2pm
Winston's Wish - Bereavement support for those looking after bereaved children and you people - 08088 020 021 - Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm
St Leonard's Hospice - Bereavement support line - 01904 708553 - Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm
Child Death Helpline - for all those affected by the death of a child - 0800 282 986 - Mon, Thurs & Fri 10am to 1pm - Tue & Wed 10am to 4pm - Every evening 7pm-10pm
Mind - UK's leading mental health charity - 0300 123 3393 - Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm (except for bank holidays)
CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably - 0800 585858 - every day from 5pm-midnight
LGBT Foundation - Support service for the LGBTQ+ community - 0345 3 303030 - weekdays 9am to 9pm
The Samaritans - 24 hour listening service - 116 123 - 24 hour
SANEline - Out of hours mental health helpline - 0300 304 7000 - normally open every day of the year from 4pm to 10pm
Childline - For young people up to 19 - 0800 1111 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help. Please:
If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.