We all deal with death in different ways, whether we’re grieving a partner, family member, friend or pet. It’s normal to need some support to come to terms with the death of a loved one, and it’s important to protect your physical and mental health at such a difficult time.

Don’t feel like you have to go it alone. These organisations are here to help, so get in touch. 

I need practical advice on what to do when someone’s died

Cruse

Call 0808 808 1677 free from any UK mobile or landline to speak to a trained volunteer about grief and bereavement of any kind.

Opening times are:

• Monday and Friday 9.30am to 5pm
• Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am to 8pm
• (Closed on bank holidays)

You can also email helpline@cruse.org.uk

Cruse also runs monthly support groups in Bexley. 

The Compassionate Friends

TCF is run by bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents to support anyone who has suffered the death of a child or children of any age, from any cause. 

Call 0345 123 2304 any day of the year from 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm. You can also email helpline@tcf.org.uk or join an online forum or Facebook group.

The Good Grief Trust

The Good Grief Trust is run by people who have suffered a bereavement and brings together information about support services for anyone dealing with grief. You can search for support based on where you live or by the kind of loss you’ve suffered.  

Grief Encounter

Grief Encounter is there to help children and their families through the pain caused by loss. Call 0808 802 0111, Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, email grieftalk@griefencounter.org.uk or talk to a counsellor through live chat on the website.

Jigsaw Southeast

Jigsaw helps children and young people through the loss of a loved one, including giving advice on how to prepare for a loss caused by terminal illness. Call 01342 313 895 from 9am to 12pm, or email info@jigsawsoutheast.org.uk

Marie Curie

Marie Curie offer care and support to people living with a terminal illness. Call 0800 090 2309 for practical advice and emotional support, or you can book a call or use online chat. They also offer help in over 200 languages, so let them know if you’re not comfortable speaking in English.

Opening times are:

• Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm
• Bank holidays 10am to 4pm 

You can also check the website for advice on bereavement counselling, looking after yourself and others, and how to tell other people that someone has died.

NHS

The NHS gives practical advice and links to support when you’re dealing with losing someone or something you care about. 

They also offer support specifically for young people coping with loss.

Samaritans

Samaritans is there for anyone having a difficult time, including when you’re grieving. You can call 116 123 free at any time of the day or night, for any reason, 365 days a year. 

You can also email jo@samaritans.org and you’ll hear back within 24 hours.

Winston’s Wish

Winston’s Wish supports children and young people who have lost a parent or sibling. Call 08088 020 021, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, email ask@winstonswish.org or use online chat on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm.

In a crisis, you can also text WW to 85258 at any time. A trained volunteer will text back and help you work through your feelings over messenger until you feel safer and calmer.