Getting support when someone dies
It can be overwhelming when someone close to us dies. You may find it difficult to cope and you might not know how to find the support you need. Grief and bereavement can also affect our mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Everyone manages grief in different ways, but the important thing is you're not alone.
Support from charities
The following charities offer professional support to help you develop coping strategies. Support will be delivered in a range of ways. This includes face-to-face, in person, online or as part of a wider group, where appropriate.
To find out more about the support in your area, contact the relevant organisation below:
Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon
Telephone: 01245 457308
Email: circle@farleighhospice.org
Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point and Rochford
Telephone: 01277 655039 or 01268 524973
Email: solutionfocusedtherapy@stlukeshospice.co.uk
Support from community and faith organisations
You may wish to reach out to your local community or voluntary organisation for support or you may wish to get in touch with your own local faith organisation. See our list of national faith organisations.
General bereavement support
NHS offer guidance and support on identifying and coping with bereavement.
MIND provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
Cruse Bereavement Care offers telephone, email, face-to-face or group support. They also offer specialist bereavement support, like support for bereaved children and young people, and for people bereaved through suicide, drugs and alcohol, and Coronavirus.
At A Loss signposts people to information and services appropriate to their loss using their search facility. They also offer a live chat bereavement counselling service.
Bereavement Advice Centre offers a free helpline and web-based information services giving practical information, advice and signposting.
National Bereavement Service offers support, signposting and legal guidance following a bereavement.
Several hospices in Essex also offer comfort and support to the bereaved.
Support for children and young people
Childhood Bereavement Network is a members network for those working with bereaved children, young people and their families across the UK.
Grief Encounter supports bereaved children and their families. They have a freephone helpline and online chat.
Help2makesense is a website for young people, sharing advice and real life stories from other young people who have suffered a loss, sharing tips on how they managed. They offer free 24/7 support via email and text, delivered by Winston's Wish.
Losing a baby or child
The Compassionate Friends support families when a child dies. They have a helpline, an online forum, retreats and services especially for bereaved siblings.
Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. They offer email and telephone support, support for couples and support through subsequent pregnancies.
Sands – Stillbirth and neonatal death charity supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth, including parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families, friends and health professionals.
Suicide
MIND provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief. The Support After Suicide Partnership offers support for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support charity offers support and information to those who have lost someone to cancer.
Heart conditions
British Heart Foundation offers end-of-life and bereavement support to anyone who has lost someone through a heart condition. They also offer specialist resources for children.
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) offers emotional support to those bereaved through Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), using volunteers who have suffered a similar experience.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Society supports people with grief, loss and bereavement when it involves Alzheimer's disease.
Support for attending inquests
Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) has trained volunteers that give emotional and practical support to bereaved families, friends and witnesses attending an inquest. They can answer your questions and help you find other organisations that can support you after the inquest.