The loss of a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. When a family member dies, the grief is shared but experienced differently by each individual. Parents may feel pressure to stay strong for their children, children may struggle to process emotions they don’t fully understand, and siblings may feel isolated in their grief. Family bereavement can shake the foundations of everyday life, bringing not only emotional but also practical and social challenges.

Support services play a vital role in helping families through this time. Professional counselling, peer groups, and bereavement organisations can provide safe spaces to talk, process emotions, and begin to adjust to life after loss. For those grieving the death of a child, or children coping with the death of a parent or sibling, specialised services offer tailored guidance and compassionate care.

• Emotional Support – Counsellors and helplines provide space to express feelings of sadness, anger, guilt or confusion.
• Practical Advice – Help with legal, financial and funeral arrangements.
• Peer Support – Meeting others with shared experiences reduces feelings of isolation.
• Child-Friendly Counselling – Play therapy and creative approaches help children process grief.
• Family Sessions – Families can grieve together and strengthen bonds.

• Cruse Bereavement Support – Helpline: 0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk
• Child Bereavement UK – Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 | childbereavementuk.org
• The Compassionate Friends – Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | tcf.org.uk
• Winston’s Wish – Helpline: 08088 020 021 | winstonswish.org
• Marie Curie Bereavement Support – Support Line: 0800 090 2309 | mariecurie.org.uk
• Sue Ryder Online Bereavement Support – sueryder.org
• The Good Grief Trust – Directory of support: thegoodgrieftrust.org

• Wales Bereavement Information and Support Service (BISS) – Marie Curie service for anyone bereaved in Wales. Call: 0800 090 2309 | mariecurie.org.uk/wales
• Cruse Cymru – Welsh bereavement counselling. Call: 0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk/wales
• Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice – Family bereavement support. Call: 029 2053 2255 | tyhafan.org
• 2Wish – Support following the sudden death of a child or young person. Call: 01443 853125 | 2wish.org.uk
• Platfform Wellbeing – Counselling and bereavement support across Wales. Website: platfform.org
• Jac Lewis Foundation – Suicide bereavement support in Wales. Website: jaclewisfoundation.co.uk

The death of a child is a devastating experience that requires specialised care. Organisations such as Child Bereavement UK, The Compassionate Friends, Winston’s Wish, Tŷ Hafan, and 2Wish provide counselling, group support, and tailored resources for parents, siblings, and extended family. These services recognise the unique depth of grief after child loss and offer long-term, compassionate support to help families rebuild their lives.

Family bereavement is a deeply personal journey, but no one should feel they have to face it alone. Support services across the UK and Wales offer counselling, peer groups, and practical help, creating a lifeline for grieving individuals and families. Whether through professional counsellors, specialist child bereavement charities, or peer-led groups, these organisations provide comfort, understanding, and the reassurance that support is always available.