Bereavement support

If you or anyone in the group feels as though grief and sadness is impacting on daily life, talking to a GP can help. They may refer you to a local mental health support service or bereavement counselling. Not everyone will want to speak to their GP and for those who do, they may find there is a long delay between seeking help and receiving it.

There are several charitable organisations which exist to support those who are going through bereavement, or feeling anxious or down. Here are some websites that provide information and advice. You can also share them with young people.

• Cruse and Cruse Scotland provides free care and bereavement counselling to people suffering from grief.
• Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
• Hope again focuses specifically on young people who have been bereaved or are facing grief and loss.
• Winston's Wish offers a wide range of practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals.
• Grief Encounter supports children and their families through the pain caused by the death of someone close to them.
• The National Autistic Society have a guide for parents and carers to support their young person through bereavement.
• The Young Minds crisis line is a free 24/7 support service for young people facing a mental health crisis.
• The Samaritans provide a 24-hour phone service that anyone can phone to discuss anything that’s on their mind.
• SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) provide support for adults impacted by suicide loss.

For more information on mental health, spotting the signs and symptoms and where to get help.