Bereavement

Losing someone important to you is one of the hardest things to experience in life.

Bereavement is difficult no matter what your age is, but support and advice is available to help you get through it.

Your emotions after a bereavement

Grieving is a natural part of recovering from a bereavement. Everyone’s experience of grief is different. There is no set way on what we should feel, and for how long. These feelings may be very intense, particularly in the early days and weeks. Time eventually helps these intense emotions subside. 

Finding support for bereavement

Talking about your grief is an important part of working through a bereavement. Who you talk to about your feelings is a very personal decision. A close friend can be a good listener and a source of comfort and support, even if they haven’t gone through this themselves.

More advice and support on bereavement

Websites – such as the Winston’s Wish and Child Bereavement UK websites also offer information and advice

Apps – Grief: Support for Young People

This app has been created by leading bereavement charity Child Bereavement UK and the bereaved young people we work with. It is for 11-25 year olds who have been bereaved of someone important to them. It can also be used by friends, teachers, parents and professionals who would like to know how to support bereaved young people.

Helplines – such as the Cruse Bereavement young people’s helpline on 0844 477 9400

Speak to your GP – if you are struggling, having trouble eating or sleeping, feeling very low. Counselling can really help after a bereavement.

Talk to your teacher – talking to a teacher you feel comfortable with if you are not coping at school can help them understand what you’re going through and take a bit of pressure off you; special circumstances, such as bereavement, can sometimes be taken into account if you’re having trouble with coursework or exams.