Bereavement Support Organisations

Care for the Family wants to support you through your bereavement. Here are details of two of our initiatives, and a list of specialist organisations to help you as you grieve – or you may prefer to call us on (029) 2081 0800.

Care for the Family initiatives

Widowed Young Support

Supporting those who have been widowed at a young age through a telephone support network, events and a regular email newsletter. Visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk/wys or phone (029) 2081 0800 to find out more.

Bereaved Parent Support

Offering hope and comfort to those who have a lost a child of any age and in any circumstance - through a telephone support network, events and a regular email newsletter. Visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk/bps or call (029) 2081 0800 to find out more.

Other organisations

Brake

This road safety charity runs a helpline (0845 603 8570) for anyone bereaved as a result of a road crash. You can find out more at www.brake.org.uk

Brake runs free courses to train people to educate young drivers about the consequences of dangerous driving behaviours.

CareConfidential

Free confidential counselling, support, help and advice if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or have post-abortion concerns. Advisors will help you work through your thoughts and feelings and enable you to face the future with hope.

For all counselling requests or queries please use online advisor or call the CareConfidential helpline free.

Freephone number:  0800 028 2228
Website: www.careconfidential.com

The Child Bereavement Charity

Provides support to families and professionals when a child dies or when a child is bereaved of someone important in their lives. Services offered include a Support and Information Line, Buckinghamshire-based Family Bereavement Support Service, interactive website with a Families and Professionals Forum, resources and Professionals Training Programme.

Website: www.childbereavement.org.uk
Tel: (01494) 446648

Child Death Helpline

Telephone helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child, from pre-birth to the death of an adult child, however long ago, and whatever the circumstances. It is staffed by experienced and trained bereaved parent volunteers.

Freephone number:  0800 282986
Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends

An organisation of bereaved parents and their families offering understanding, support and encouragement to others after the death of a child or children. They also offer support, advice and information to other relatives, friends and professionals who are helping the family.

Website: www.tcf.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 123 2304

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse is the largest bereavement support organisation for both adults and children in the UK. They provide one-to-one support to anyone who has suffered bereavement, together with a telephone helpline (0844 477 9400). Their website www.cruse.org.uk gives further information and contact details for local branches.

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland provides similar support to Cruse in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You will find further information, including local branch details, at www.crusescotland.org.uk – or call (01738) 444807.

CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) supports those bereaved through young sudden cardiac death (also known as SADS, SDS); and has a Surgery Supporters Network for young people (aged 14-35) diagnosed with a cardiac condition. CRY promotes heart screening and ECG testing programmes, and funds the CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology and the CRY Centre for Cardiac Pathology.

Website: www.c-r-y.org.uk
Phone: 01737 363222
E-mail: cry@c-r-y.org.uk

DrugFam

DrugFAM supports families affected by a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol, working with individual family members and carers rather than the user. They offer telephone support, befriending, counselling, local support groups in Buckinghamshire and bereavement support.

Website: www.drugfam.co.uk
Helpline: 0845 388 3853 (9am - 9pm)

Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID)

Funding research, supporting families whose babies have died suddenly and unexpectedly and giving 'safe sleep' advice.

Website: www.fsid.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 6868

Inquest

Provides help and advice for those facing an inquest. Bereaved people can obtain a free information pack, including the Inquest Handbook.

Website: www.inquest.org.uk
Phone: 020 7263 1111

Miscarriage Association

Miscarriage can be a very unhappy, frightening and lonely experience. If you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, we hope you will find here the information and support that you need to help you through.

Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Helpline: (01924) 200799 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm)

National Association of Widows

The National Association of Widows is run by the widowed for the widowed - men and women. They offer support, friendship and understanding to men and women who have lost their partners through bereavement. They do this with the help of people who know how you feel - other widows and widowers.

Email: info@nawidows.org.uk
Website:  www.nawidows.org.uk
Phone: 0845 838 2261 (local rate)

Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place

Grants to young adults aged approx. 18 to 30 facing bereavement, diagnosis of a life threatening or terminal illness, or having a significant long term caring role for a family member. Covers accommodation costs of holiday break at Paul’s Place, a B&B with self-catering facility.

For more information visit www.pauls-fund.co.uk or contact David and Pippa on 01271 891076 or at paulsfund11@virginmedia.co.uk

SADS UK - Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome

National cardiac charity providing support to families and individuals affected by a sudden unexpected death. Qualified counsellors and support contacts offer assistance after the death of a child or young spouse. Retreats for the bereaved. Also supports those diagnosed with cardiac conditions and donates cardiac equipment to medical establishments.

Email: info@sadsuk.org
Website:  www.sadsuk.org
Phone: 01277 811215

Samaritans

Provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day to people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website:  www.samaritans.org
Phone: 08457 90 90 90

SAMM – Support After Murder and Manslaughter

Supporting those who have been bereaved as a result of murder or manslaughter, through a telephone helpline (0845 872 3440), information and other activities, including local groups.

You can find out more at www.samm.org.uk

Sand Rose

Provides a place where bereaved families can start to rebuild their lives. It offers a quiet, peaceful haven where families can be independent but know that they are in a suitable environment. The project, which works in collaboration with local and national bereavement organisations, extends to anyone who has experienced bereavement, although there is a particular emphasis on young families.

Website: www.sandrose.org.uk

SANDS - Still and Neonatal Death Charity

Offers support when your baby dies during pregnancy or after birth.

Helpline: (020) 7436 5881
Website: www.uk-sands.org

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (previously known as SOBS)

Providing help and support to those bereaved by the suicide of a relative or close friend. They provide information, a helpline (0844 561 6855) and other activities, including local groups and events throughout the UK.

Visit www.uk-sobs.org.uk to find out more.

Tamba BSG - Twin and Multiple Birth Association - bereavement support group

Supporting parents who have lost a baby or babies during a multiple pregnancy or at  any stage after birth.

Website: www.tamba.org.uk/bsg
Phone: 0870 770 3305

WAY (Widowed and Young) Foundation

Providing support, advice and friendship to those who have been bereaved of a partner under the age of 50. Visit www.wayfoundation.org.uk or phone 0870 011 3450.

Winston’s Wish

Winston’s Wish supports bereaved children and young people up to the age of 18 through a whole range of activities, including a helpline (08452 030405), group work, residential events and resources.

Visit www.winstonswish.org.uk