When someone close to you has died, you may feel lonely and isolated. Support from family and friends can be vitally important at this time, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Psychological therapy services
Talking to a trained professional can also help you to understand and work through your feelings of bereavement. You can get access to local NHS psychological services through your GP (family doctor) or practice nurse. Your local NHS psychological therapies service provides therapy and mental health services for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, including OCD, depression and anxiety, as well as feelings related to changes in your life, bereavement, and personal and family problems.
This programme makes it easier for people to access therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling.
Details for your local services are:-
- Westminster (CNWL Talking Therapies Service)
- Kensington and Chelsea (Community Living Well Psychological Therapies Service)
Other sources of support
There are also a number of counselling and advice services available to help you.
Cruse Bereavement Care helps people who have suffered a bereavement. It provides support through local volunteers.
BAMEStream Bereavement Support Service provide FREE culturally competent brief emotional online support to anyone from a Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic background experiencing bereavement and loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer therapeutic support in over 20 different languages.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exist to meet the needs and to break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. They aim to provide a safe, confidential environment, in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings.
Age UK has useful information and advice on coping with bereavement and how to get support, including personal stories from other people who have experienced the death of a loved which may help you feel to feel that you are not alone.
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.
National helpline: 0800 02 888 40 or local support: Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL, on 020 8960 9476 or westlondonsupport@childbereavementuk.org
The Royal College of Psychiatrists website has sensitive and useful information, and links to other sources of support.