Useful contacts

There are a large number of organisations providing information and support to people affected by bereavement.

The ones listed here are just a small selection.

Before getting in touch, it's worth noting that some of these organisations are staffed by volunteers and may provide an answer-machine service at times.

On this page:

Emergency assistance
Psychological and emotional support
  for all ages
  for death of a child or children affected by death
Other specialist support
Find a counsellor
Practical issues
Funerals

Emergency assistance

The Samaritans

24-hour helpline support for anyone in distress including those who are feeling suicidal.

Tel: 08457 90 90 90
(All day, every day)
www.samaritans.org

NHS Direct 24-hour access to health advice.

Tel: 0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

NHS Choices

Help with finding NHS services including hospitals and local doctors, and helpful information on a huge variety of health related topics.

www.nhs.uk

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Psychological and emotional support

For all ages

Cruse Bereavement Care

One-to-one and other support and information for the bereaved, organised through local branches. (You'll find your local branch number and a well-stocked bookshop online).

General helpline: 0844 477 9400
Young Person's helpline: 0808 808 1677
(Lines open Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 5.00pm)
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

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Death of a child/children affected by death

Child Bereavement Charity

Charity with a dual focus; training professionals who work with families and children affected by a death, and producing excellent resources for use by the bereaved.

Tel: 01494 568900 (Information & Support Team) www.childbereavement.org.uk

Child Death Helpline

Helpline support for anyone affected by the death of a child - irrespective of the age of the child, the relationship or the length of time since the death. Provided by Great Ormond Street and Royal Liverpool Children's Hospitals.

Tel: 0800 282986
(7.00pm - 10.00pm every evening, Mon - Fri 10.00am - 1.00pm and Tue - Wed 1.00pm - 4.00pm)
www.childdeathhelpline.org

Winston's Wish

Supports children affected by the death of a parent or a sibling - and those caring for them.

Helpline: 08452 03 04 05
www.winstonswish.org.uk

Compassionate Friends

Support by telephone, befriending and local groups for anyone affected by the death of a child - irrespective of the age of the child at the time of death (i.e. the child may have reached adulthood).

Tel: 0845 123 2304
(10.00am - 4.00pm and 7.00pm -10.00pm)
www.tcf.org.uk

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Other specialist support

Lesbian & Gay Bereavement Project

Support for lesbians and gay men anticipating or experiencing bereavement and also for their families and friends.

Tel: 020 7403 5969
(Mon/Tues/Thurs 7.00pm - 10.30pm)

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer, whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are a family member, carer or friend.

Tel: 0808 808 2020
Textphone: 0808 808 0121
Macmillan Youthline (for ages 12-21): 0808 808 0800
(All lines open Mon - Fri 9.00am - 9.00pm)
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/

The Way Foundation

Support and friendship for those who have lost a spouse or partner under 50.

Tel: 0870 011 3450
www.wayfoundation.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

A self-help organisation for those bereaved by the suicide of a family member or anyone close to them.

Tel: 0844 561 6855
(9.00am to 9.00pm every day)
www.uk-sobs.org.uk

The Blue Cross

Telephone and email support following the loss of a pet.

Tel: 0800 966606
www.bluecross.org.uk

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Find a counsellor

British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Professional association and accrediting body for counsellors.

Tel: 0870 443 5252
(Mon - Fri 8.45am -5.00pm)
www.bacp.co.uk - includes a 'Find a Counsellor' section

Association of Christian Counsellors

Association and accrediting body for counsellors working from a specifically Christian perspective.

Tel: 0845 124 9569 or 0845 124 9570
Includes 'Find a Counsellor', at:
www.acc-uk.org/pages/1420.htm

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Practical issues

Bereavement Advice Centre

We are proud to provide this service. The website and helpline provides help on what needs to be done after a death.

Tel: 0800 634 9494
www.bereavementadvice.org

The Bereavement Register

Contact the Bereavement Register with details of the person who has died to help prevent advertising material arriving for them in the post.

Tel: 0870 600 7222
www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk

Citizens Advice

Gives information and links to local Citizens Advice Bureaux.

www.adviceguide.org.uk

Deceased Preference Service

This service registers the details of the person who has died to stop unwanted direct mail being delivered to them.

Tel: 0800 068 44 33
www.deceasedpreferenceservice.co.uk

Directgov

Public services all in one place. Official portal to all UK national and local government services.

www.direct.gov.uk

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Government number/website for advice on deaths overseas, or contacting relatives overseas about a death in the UK. Website includes numbers and contact details for individual embassies.

Tel: 0845 850 2829
www.fco.gov.uk - follow links to Travelling & Living Abroad > contact us

Probate Helpline

A free helpline provided by ITC to give information about all aspects of probate.

Tel: 0800 013 2014

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Funerals

Institute of Civil Funerals

Trains, regulates and can provide details of civil funeral celebrants.

Tel: 0845 004 8608
www.iocf.org.uk

National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)

The largest professional association of funeral directors; has a code of practice and an arbitration scheme.

Tel: 0845 230 1343
www.nafd.org.uk

British Humanist Association

Provides information on, and officiants for non-religious funerals.

Tel: 020 7079 3580
www.humanism.org.uk

Natural Death Centre

Provides information on environmentally friendly ('green') funerals.

Tel: 0871 288 2098
www.naturaldeath.org.uk

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