Bereavement support in Surrey

Healing a broken heart

The death of a loved one is emotionally devastating and something that we will all experience in our lifetime. Whether it is a partner, family member, friend or pet, grief can affect people in different ways and there is no wrong or right way to feel or react.

There are four stages of bereavement:

  • accepting your loss is real
  • experiencing the pain of grief
  • adjusting to life without your loved one
  • moving on from grieving, grieving less and looking forward to new opportunities and experiences

Some people will probably go through all of these stages and you won't necessarily move smoothly from one to the next. For some the grief may feel out of control and chaotic but over time these feelings should lessen. There is no 'standard' way to grieve as everyone is different, therefore people may experience different feelings of bereavement.

Things that people often experience are depression, anxiety, anger, sleep problems and loneliness.

Support for you in Surrey

Cruse Bereavement Care provides bereavement support and has several branches around different parts of Surrey (choose their south option), as well as a national helpline 0808 808 1677 and webchat.

Cruse's team of trained bereavement volunteers offer one to one bereavement support to adults, children and young people who have been affected by the death of someone close to them. Services are currently delivered on the telephone and via zoom.

The following organisations also provide helpful information and support with bereavement:

  • The Good Grief Trust has helpful and supportive information, lists of phone lines and stories from other people to help during this difficult time.
  • Jigsaw South East supports bereaved children, young people and their families and also those affected by a family member with a life-limiting illness, across Surrey, West Sussex, and surrounding areas. Email info@jigsawsoutheast.org.uk. Phone 01342 313895.
  • The Brigitte Trust runs free structured 8-week bereavement programmes run by a professional facilitator for anyone in Surrey struggling with their own grief and bereavement, along with emotional and practical support.
  • The Royal College of Psychiatrists website provides more information on bereavement. The information is aimed at anyone who has been bereaved, their family and friends and anyone else who wants to learn more. It goes into detail on feelings, bereavement following a suicide, ideas for friends and relatives to help and where there is support available.
  • In Surrey, there are free talking therapy services available to support people experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, including online and in person talking therapies, activities and workshops.
  • You can find support on suicide bereavement on the Healthy Surrey suicide support web page.

Remember you are never alone when going through bereavement, there is always someone who cares and who is willing to listen to you.

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