Bereavement support
Supporting somebody who is grieving
Providing support for someone who is grieving can involve a lot of intense emotions like anger, guilt, depression, and sadness. Often, people are reluctant to offer support for fear of saying the wrong thing and making the grieving person feel worse. Simply being there with a shoulder and a listening ear is the most important thing you can do. You don't have to have all the answers and say all the right things.
Key things to help a person with a recent bereavement
- Reach out to them - don't let fear of saying or doing the wrong thing stop you.
- Listen to what they say
- Offer practical assistance - ask more direct questions. For example say "I'm going to the supermarket, can I get you something?" as opposed to "Let me know if you need anything".
- Continue to support them.
Organisations which offer bereavement support
NHS Bereavement Support
Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them. If these feelings are affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.
NHS: Grief after bereavement or loss
Marie Curie bereavement support service
The bereavement service is for people who might want to have ongoing support, from the same bereavement volunteer, over the phone. Whether your bereavement was expected, happened recently or was some time ago, they can help. They can also support you before your loved one dies.
Marie Curie's Bereavement Support Service
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse helps people through one of the most painful times in life - with bereavement support, information and campaigning.
The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust is run by the bereaved, for the bereaved. They help those bereaved from day one, acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.
At a Loss
At a Loss help bereaved people find support and wellbeing.
The Kirkwood Counselling Team
The Kirkwood Counselling team provide emotional and psychological support for those living with, affected by or bereaved through a life limiting illness.
West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Bereavement Support
The team provide compassionate support for people bereaved or affected by suicide. You can access support if someone you care about has ended their own life, even if this has not been officially recognised or you are waiting for an inquest. The service also supports people who feel affected by suicide but do not identify as bereaved, for example, if you witnessed a death.
West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Bereavement Support
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children from a month old, and from any cause.
Talkthru
Talkthru offer specialist counselling for anyone facing unplanned pregnancy, baby loss or pregnancy related issues.
Mencap
Bereavement support for people with learning disabilities.
Suicide Bereavement UK
Resources For those bereaved or affected by suicide and for professionals supporting them.
Death Positive Libraries
The Death Positive Libraries project works to create an open culture where people are more comfortable talking about death, dying and grief and can support others who are grieving.
Kirklees libraries are safe and trusted spaces, with compassionate staff and volunteers who are well placed to bring people together to share stories and signpost to partner organisations and specialist support.