Bereavement Support Guide
Understanding Grief and Finding Help
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be one of the most challenging experiences anyone faces. Whether you’ve lost a partner, child, parent, sibling, friend, or other loved one, the pain can feel overwhelming. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a vital step toward healing.
The Importance of Seeking Support After Loss
Why Support Matters
Bereavement affects everyone differently, but reaching out for help can:
- Provide a safe space to express feelings without judgment
- Reduce isolation by connecting you with others who understand
- Help process complex emotions like guilt, anger, numbness, or despair
- Offer practical guidance during a confusing and difficult time
- Support your mental and physical health through the grieving process
- Help children and young people understand and cope with their loss
The Medical and Health Impact of Unresolved Grief
Grief is not just an emotional experience—it has profound effects on your physical and mental health. Understanding these impacts can help you recognize when additional support may be needed.
Physical Health Effects
Bereavement can affect your body in significant ways:
- Weakened immune system – making you more susceptible to illness
- Sleep disturbances – insomnia, nightmares, or excessive sleeping
- Appetite changes – loss of appetite or comfort eating
- Fatigue and exhaustion – persistent tiredness even after rest
- Physical pain – headaches, chest tightness, muscle tension
- Increased risk of heart problems – studies show grief can increase cardiovascular stress
- Digestive issues – nausea, stomach pain, changes in bowel habits
Mental Health Considerations
Grief can also significantly impact your mental wellbeing:
- Depression – persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life
- Anxiety – excessive worry, panic attacks, fear of more loss
- Post-traumatic stress – especially after sudden, traumatic, or violent death
- Complicated grief – when grief becomes prolonged and debilitating
- Suicidal thoughts – grief can trigger thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Substance misuse – using alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain
When Grief Becomes Complicated
Most people gradually adjust to loss over time, but some experience complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder), which may include:
- Intense yearning or longing that doesn’t diminish
- Difficulty accepting the death months or years later
- Preoccupation with the deceased or circumstances of death
- Inability to resume daily activities or relationships
- Feeling that life has no meaning or purpose
If you recognize these symptoms, professional support can make a profound difference.
Impact on Families and Relationships
Grief affects not just individuals but entire family systems:
Children and Young People
- May show grief through behavior changes, school problems, or regression
- Need age-appropriate explanations and consistent support
- Benefit from specialized children’s bereavement services
- May grieve differently than adults—in waves rather than continuously
Partners and Spouses
- May grieve differently from each other, causing relationship strain
- Face practical challenges alongside emotional ones
- May need support for “ambiguous loss” if relationship was complex
- Benefit from peer support with others who’ve experienced similar loss
Siblings
- Often called “forgotten mourners”—their grief may be overlooked
- May feel they need to be strong for parents
- Need recognition of their unique relationship with the deceased
- Benefit from sibling-specific support groups
Parents Losing a Child
- Experience one of the most devastating forms of loss
- May face guilt, “what-ifs,” and profound identity shifts
- Need long-term support from those who understand
- Benefit from parent-specific bereavement groups
Taking Care of Yourself While Grieving
While grief is unavoidable, there are ways to support yourself through it:
Practical Self-Care
- Allow yourself to grieve – there’s no “right” way or timeline
- Maintain routines where possible – regular meals, sleep, gentle exercise
- Limit major decisions – avoid big life changes in early grief if possible
- Accept practical help – let others cook, clean, or handle tasks
- Be patient with yourself – grief comes in waves; bad days don’t mean you’re failing
Emotional Self-Care
- Talk about your loved one – sharing memories can be healing
- Express emotions – through talking, writing, art, or physical activity
- Connect with others – isolation can deepen grief
- Honor your loved one – in ways that feel meaningful to you
- Seek professional help if grief feels unmanageable
For Children
- Maintain stability – keep familiar routines and environments
- Be honest – use clear, age-appropriate language (avoid euphemisms)
- Encourage expression – through play, drawing, or conversation
- Watch for changes – in behavior, school performance, or mood
- Access specialized support – children’s bereavement services are invaluable
If You’re in Crisis
Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free)
Text SHOUT: 85258 (24/7 crisis text line)
Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E if you’re in immediate danger
National Support Services
These services are available throughout the UK, regardless of where you live:
CRUSE Bereavement Support
The UK’s largest bereavement charity, offering support to anyone grieving.
Phone: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Services: One-to-one support, group sessions, phone and online help, Hope Again for young people
Child Bereavement UK
Supporting families when a child dies or when a child is bereaved.
Phone: 0800 02 888 40
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Services: Support for families, resources for professionals, training
Winston’s Wish
Free support for children, young people, and families after someone dies.
Phone: 08088 020 021
Text: 07860 062 176
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Services: Live chat, WhatsApp support, practical resources (ages 0–25)
The Good Grief Trust
UK-wide signposting to over 1,000 local and specialist bereavement services.
Website: www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
Services: Comprehensive directory, help finding the right support
The Compassionate Friends
Supporting bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents after a child dies (any age).
Helpline: 0345 123 2304
Website: www.tcf.org.uk
Services: Peer support groups, sibling support, retreats, online forum
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
For anyone over 18 affected by suicide.
Helpline: 0300 111 5065
Website: uksobs.org
Services: Peer support groups, phone support, email support
Widowed and Young (WAY)
Peer support for anyone widowed under age 51.
Website: www.widowedandyoung.org.uk
Services: Online community, local groups, events
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity)
Supporting anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death.
ANDYSMANCLUB
Men’s peer support groups (18+) meeting weekly for those struggling with grief, mental health, or life challenges.
Website: andysmanclub.co.uk
Meetings: Mondays at 7pm (groups in Oswestry, Telford, Shrewsbury, and nationwide)
Shropshire – Bereavement Services (All Ages)
Shropshire Mental Health Support – Bereavement Services
Comprehensive bereavement support including suicide bereavement, crime-related death, accidents, disasters, peer groups for widows/widowers, and child loss support.
Website: www.shropshiremhs.com
Services: Support groups, virtual groups, helpline, specialized trauma support, Jolly Dollies, WAY-Up (widows/widowers support)
Shropshire Council – Bereavement Support
Local signposting, emotional support, and help with practical matters after a death.
Phone: 0345 678 9028 (First Point of Contact)
Website: next.shropshire.gov.uk/bereavement-support
Services: All-ages support, suicide bereavement service, telephone triage
Shropshire Council – Bereavement Services (Practical)
Guidance for funerals, burials, cremation, registering deaths, and legal processes.
Website: www.shropshire.gov.uk/bereavement-services
Services: Practical information, registrar services, coroner information
Shropshire Grief Tending CIC
Community-based grief support across multiple Shropshire locations.
Website: www.shropshiregrieftending.com
Locations: Shrewsbury, Wem, Telford, Ludlow
Services: Weekly grief cafés, grief tending walks, suicide-specific support groups, family sessions, one-to-one sessions
2026 expansion: “Holding Grief, Growing Hope” – new cafés opening across Shropshire
Shrewsbury Bereavement Group (CIC)
Monthly peer support meetings across Shropshire.
Phone: 07932 513880
Website: shropshirebereavement.group
Meeting locations: Shrewsbury Castlefields, Emstrey Crematorium, Telford Lawley Hub, Oswestry Memorial Hall
Services: All-ages welcome, peer support, monthly gatherings
Qube Oswestry
Community signposting for mental health and bereavement support.
Website: qube-oca.org.uk/mental-health-and-bereavement-support
Services: Local resource directory, helpline information
Caritas Shrewsbury
Therapeutic bereavement support for adults experiencing complex grief.
Website: dojustice.co.uk/caritas-shrewsbury
Services: Therapeutic groups, mindfulness groups, participant-led sessions
Hope House Children’s Hospice / Tŷ Gobaith
Specialist bereavement support for families after the death of a baby, child, or young person (under 25).
Website: www.hopehouse.org.uk
Coverage: Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid & North Wales
Services: Specialist counselling for parents, siblings, and extended family, bereavement support groups, memory making, ongoing emotional support
Cruse Bereavement Support – Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
Local branch of the national charity.
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Services: One-to-one support, group sessions, children’s services (Hope Again), telephone and online support
2 Wish Cymru (now serving Shropshire)
Specialist support after the sudden death of a child or young person (ages 0–25).
Website: 2wish.org.uk
Who they support: Parents, siblings, grandparents, partners, witnesses, professionals
Services: Crisis support, memory boxes, counselling, community peer support groups, practical guidance
New in 2024: Expanded services into Shropshire
Telford & Wrekin Community Support Groups
Directory of local support groups including bereavement-specific groups.
Website: www.telford.gov.uk
Betsi Cadwaladr (North Wales) – Bereavement Services
BCUHB Bereavement Information for Adults, Children & Young People
Main NHS portal for bereavement support across North Wales.
Website: bcuhb.nhs.wales/bereavement-information
Services: Adult bereavement guidance, child and young person resources, practical information (registering deaths, funeral directors), signposting to local and national services
BCUHB Palliative, End-of-Life & Bereavement Care
Comprehensive palliative and bereavement pathways for adults and children.
Website: bcuhb.nhs.wales/palliative-end-of-life-and-bereavement-care
Services: Care planning, end-of-life support, bereavement follow-up
BCUHB Baby Loss & Snowdrop Bereavement Team
Specialist service for pregnancy and neonatal loss (up to 28 days).
Website: bcuhb.nhs.wales/baby-bereavement-service
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Services: Midwife-led support, home visits, memory making (photos, handprints, memory boxes), funeral guidance, referrals to counselling, charity links
Coverage: All North Wales hospitals
BCUHB Hospital Bereavement Offices
Based at major hospitals across North Wales.
Locations: Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd
Website: bcuhb.nhs.wales/bereavement-services
Services: Viewing arrangements, certificates, practical guidance, referrals
Marie Curie Wales – Bereavement Information & Support Service
Free bereavement support available across North Wales.
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk/wales-bereavement-support
Services: Free counselling, support groups, one-to-one telephone support, information resources
The Rainbow Foundation – Wrexham
Community bereavement support groups.
Website: therainbowfoundation.org.uk/bereavement-support
Meeting locations: Wellbeing Hub (Wrexham), Piercy Hall (Marchwiel), Gwersyllt Resource Centre
Services: Peer support groups, community connections
Tom Owen & Son – Conwy / Llandudno
Funeral directors offering bereavement support services.
Website: tomowenandson.com/bereavement-help
Services: “Coffee Connection” bereavement meetups (Colwyn Bay, Llandudno), free grief counselling (via North Wales Reflections)
Cruse Wales
Welsh branches of national bereavement charity.
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Services: Group support, one-to-one counselling, Hope Again (children’s support)
2 Wish Cymru
Specialist support after sudden death of a child or young person (0–25).
Website: 2wish.org.uk
Coverage: All of Wales including North Wales
Services: Crisis support, counselling, peer groups, memory boxes, practical help
Sands – Wales Groups
Support after miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death.
Website: www.sands.org.uk
Services: Local support groups, online forum, helpline, befriending
S4C Bereavement Directory
Wales-wide signposting resource.
Website: www.s4c.cymru/loss-and-bereavement
Services: Links to Dying Matters, The Compassionate Friends, Rosie Crane Trust, Cruse Wales
Finding the Right Support for You
For Parents Who Have Lost a Child
- Hope House Children’s Hospice (Shropshire & North Wales)
- 2 Wish Cymru (sudden death, ages 0–25)
- The Compassionate Friends (national)
- Child Bereavement UK (national)
- Sands (pregnancy and baby loss)
For Children and Young People
- Winston’s Wish (ages 0–25, national)
- Hope House Children’s Hospice (under 25)
- 2 Wish Cymru (siblings, ages 0–25)
- Child Bereavement UK
- Cruse Hope Again (children’s service)
For Siblings
- The Compassionate Friends (sibling support)
- 2 Wish Cymru
- Hope House Children’s Hospice
After Suicide
- Shropshire Mental Health Support – Suicide Bereavement
- Shropshire Grief Tending CIC (suicide-specific groups)
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS, national)
- Shropshire Council Suicide Bereavement Service
For Widows and Widowers
- Widowed and Young (under 51, national)
- Shropshire Mental Health Support (Jolly Dollies, WAY-Up groups)
- Cruse (all ages)
After Pregnancy or Baby Loss
- BCUHB Snowdrop Bereavement Team (North Wales)
- Sands (national and Wales groups)
- Hope House Children’s Hospice
For Men
- ANDYSMANCLUB (men’s peer support, Mondays 7pm)
- Cruse (all genders)
- Shropshire Grief Tending CIC
For Community and Peer Support
- Shropshire Grief Tending CIC (grief cafés and walks)
- Shrewsbury Bereavement Group (monthly meetings)
- The Rainbow Foundation (Wrexham area)
- Tom Owen & Son Coffee Connection (Conwy/Llandudno)
Important Reminders
You Are Not Alone
Thousands of people across Shropshire, North Wales, and the UK are grieving right now. Support is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
There’s No “Right” Way to Grieve
Everyone’s grief journey is unique. Don’t compare yourself to others or worry about doing it “wrong.”
It’s Never Too Late to Seek Support
Whether your loss was recent or years ago, support services are available whenever you’re ready.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Professional support, peer groups, and counselling can provide the space and understanding you need to process your grief.
How to Use This Guide
- Identify your needs: Are you looking for peer support, professional counselling, practical help, or children’s services?
- Choose services that fit: Local groups offer community connection; national helplines offer immediate support; specialist services support specific types of loss
- Contact multiple services if needed: You can access several types of support at once
- Be patient: Finding the right fit may take time, and that’s okay
- Keep this information: Share it with family members, friends, or healthcare providers who can help you access support
