Getting bereavement support
If you prefer to get support from outside the family or your family network there are a range of different organisations and charities offering bereavement information both online and in print. These include:
If you like to interact with others online there are several online communities that you can go to which are completely confidential and safe. You may have to set up a username and password. Many charities have these, including Marie Curie.
You may like to talk to someone but don't want to leave your home, so there are also several telephone support lines and web chats that you can use. These include Marie Curie, Samaritans, and Cruse Bereavement Care.
The Brigitte Trust run free structured 8-week bereavement programmes with a professional facilitator for anyone in Surrey struggling with their own grief and bereavement.
If you are more comfortable talking to a professional counsellor or psychotherapist face to face then you can try one of the following:
- Asking your GP to be referred to a local counselling service.
- If in work, approach your employer to see if you are entitled to a set number of free counselling sessions.
- Finding a registered counsellor or psychotherapist in your area.
- Contacting a charity such as Cruse Bereavement Care or your local hospice (who may also be able to provide details of local bereavement support groups).