Bereavement Support

Being cut off from family, friends and communities because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is difficult for everyone, but especially for those who are grieving for a loved one. Within this section you’ll find information, advice and guidance to help support you at this very difficult time.

Local counselling services for children and young people:

• The Noah’s Ark Centre: Rainbows is a structured programme for children aged 5-11 to help them talk through their feelings with other children who are experiencing loss such as death or divorce in their family. The Rainbows programme helps by providing a safe setting with adult facilitators and materials, journals, storybooks, games and creative activities to help lead them gently through the grieving process. Phone: 01422 300 457.
• The Samaritans: whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will talk through it with you. The service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can ring them on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• Kooth: a free, safe anonymous mental health community for children and young people aged 10 to 25. It’s open until 10pm every evening, 365 days a year. Young people can access Kooth’s counselling service, self help resources, peer to peer forums and interesting articles written by young people for young people.
• Open Minds (CAMHS): If you feel you need help and support around your mental health you can contact Open Minds in Calderdale who provide specialist emotional support for children and young people. Phone: 01422 300 001. 
• West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership grief and loss support service: The WY&H HCP Grief and Loss Service offers information and advice to anyone struggling with feelings of loss, whether as a result of bereavement or other loss such as loss of a way of life, normal contact opportunities, social and work interactions. Phone: 0808 096 3833.

National support websites for children and young people suffering loss:

• Winston’s Wish: information, advice and guidance on supporting bereaved children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Childline: When someone dies, there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone experiences loss or bereavement differently. But you don’t have to cope on your own. We’re always here for you.
• Hope Again: is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
• YoungMinds: When you lose someone close to you, it’s natural to feel sad, depressed, worried or angry. Everyone reacts in their own way. If you’re finding it hard to cope, YoungMinds can help you find support.
• Child Bereavement UK: They support children and young people up to the age of 25 who are facing bereavement.
• The Coat I Wear: Mel Maxwell’s comforting book helps children deal with their grief after the loss of a loved one.

National support websites for adults suffering loss

• CRUSE Bereavement Care: offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. Its helpline 0808 808 1677 is open from 9.30am to 5pm Mondays to Friday, with extended opening hours till 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. You can also e-mail helpline@cruse.org.uk.
• Mind: Provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
• The Compassionate Friends: Supporting grieving parents after the loss of a child during the coronavirus pandemic. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national charity whose members have experienced the loss of a child.