Bereavement

When we talk about bereavement, we mean losing someone through death. Grieving is the way we come to terms with bereavement and it can leave us feeling all sorts of things; sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, relief or worry.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. It takes people different amounts of time to come to terms with the death of someone they were close to.

Who can help?

It can be very helpful to get some support. This could just be talking to a friend or relative, or you may want to speak in confidence to a professional counsellor. These organisations can help.

ChildLine

24-hour, confidential advice for young people, on any subject. You can write to ChildLine using a Freepost address (no stamp is needed) or call them on the freephone number listed below. (If you write, remember to include your contact details on the letter, i.e. address, telephone number or e-mail, whichever is the best way for ChildLine to get in touch with you.) Address: Freepost 1111, London, N1 0BR Tel: 0800 1111 Minicom: 0800 400 222

Cruse Bereavement Care

Help and support in coping with bereavement. There is a leaflet for young people called 'After Someone Dies', which you can view on the website or download.
Tel: 0870 167 1677
Young person's helpline: freephone 0808 808 1677
e-mail helpline@crusebereavementcare.org.uk

RD4U (Road for you)

By young people, for young people. Its aim is to help young people with the death of someone close. It includes other people's stories, advice on how to cope with the death of someone close and a message board where you can talk about your experience and feelings.
Tel: 0808 808 1677 (helpline run by the Youth Involvement Project, who also run the rd4u website)

Round Oak Bereavement

A volunteer group that aims to help young people and families in the Dudley area accomodate the death of someone who was special to them.

Tel 0922 092335 / 07922 102410. They will call you back if you are worried about the cost.

Samaritans

Confidential, emotional support for people who have feelings of distress or despair
Tel: 08457 90 90 90

Winston's Wish

Information for young people on coping with the death of someone close. The website includes info about the questions young people ask when someone they know has died. It also has information about medical conditions. There are also tips for people who have a friend who is grieving.