National services
As well as the local services shown in the map, a number of other services provide support nation-wide.
Child Bereavement UK
Tel: 0800 02 888 40
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
National services include
- confidential information and support line for families and professionals when a child has died and when a child is bereaved
- web discussion forum for families and for professionals
- resources for bereaved children and young people, families and all professionals
- training courses on bereavement for health care and other professional
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
National services include
- free national helpline for children and young people on any issue or problem 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- freepost service
- schools outreach programme.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Telephone:
- Freephone National Helpline: 0808 808 1677
- Administration: 020 8939 9530
Website: www.cruse.org.uk www.hopeagain.org.uk
Many local branches of Cruse offer individual or group support for bereaved children. Those that are members of the Childhood Bereavement Network are listed in the map above: others can be accessed by ringing the helpline or visting the Cruse website.
Cruse has a special website for young people. A special feature of this site is a message board where young people can share their experiences and receive replies from trained young supporters.
Cruse Bereavement Care (Scotland)
Telephone: 0845 600 2227
Website: www.crusescotland.org.uk
Several branches of Cruse Scotland offer support for bereaved children. Those that are members of the Childhood Bereavement Network are listed in the map above: others can be accessed by ringing the helpline or visting the website.
Grief Encounter
Telephone: 0808 802 0111
Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk
National services include
- GriefTalk call, email or instant chat support for bereaved children and young people and those caring for them 9am-9pm Monday to Friday
- resources for bereaved children and young people, families and professionals
- training courses and bespoke training including Good Grief training course.
Ruth Strauss Foundation
Website: www.ruthstraussfoundation.com
National services for families when a parent has an incurable diagnosis including
- family support service to help parents and carers with cancer that cannot be cured to prepare their children
- resources to help talk to children when a parent has a terminal diagnosis
- training courses for healthcare professionals supporting families when a parent has a terminal diagnosis
Winston's Wish
Telephone: Freephone National Helpline 08088 020 021
Website: www.winstonswish.org.uk
National services include
- Bereavement support team available to speak to immediately by phone, email or live chat, 8am-8pm weekdays
- One-to-one sessions with bereavement support workers and counsellors for those who need additional support (up to the age of 25)
- Website with information and advice for the adults caring for grieving children and young people, plus activities, books and resources
- Dedicated website for grieving young people https://www.talkgrief.org/
- Training courses for professionals working with children and young people.
National services - specific groups
A number of organisations also offer support to bereaved children in specific circumstances:
Scotty's Little Soldiers - for children bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces