Introduction
Bereavement affects people in different ways and grieving is an important part of the healing process. The loss of a loved one can be a very difficult experience physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. As well as support from your family and friends, you may need other types of bereavement support.
Bereavement Support – religious counselling and advice
The Imam at your local may be available to help with religious perspectives on dealing with bereavement.
Other Muslim support services include:
- Muslim Bereavement Support Service – a non-profit organisation supporting bereaved women who have lost a loved one. https://mbss.org.uk/
- Sakoon (Peace of Mind) – Sakoon Muslim counsellors can help you through this traumatic experience by providing self-help techniques and support. Whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, you can heal and move on. https://www.sakoon.co.uk/muslimbereavement/
- Children of Jannah – Support for people who have experienced the loss of a child. https://www.childrenofjannah.com/
- Supporting Humanity – A team of compassionate professionals who work closely with hospitals, authorities, and registrars to provide practical support to families during this difficult time. https://supportinghumanity.org/bereavement-support/
Bereavement Support – NHS and counselling services
Generally, the first point of call can be your own GP who can help assess your situation and make a referral to other NHS support services. There are also some support services which you can contact directly including:
- NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages in England. You can call for: 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for; help speaking to a mental health professional; or an assessment to find the right care for you. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline
- NHS talking therapies service – If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral. NHS talking therapies services offer: talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, other therapies, and guided self-help; as well as help for common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service
- Sheffield IAPT – 1 in 4 people each year experience anxiety, stress or depression. Sheffield Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) are an NHS adult service offering a range of free psychological therapies that can help with stress, anxiety and depression. https://www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/sheffield-iapt.htm
- Rotherham IAPT NHS psychological therapies services (IAPT), including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/rotherham-iapt/RXEDX/departments/SRV0339/nhs-psychological-therapies-services-iapt-including-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/
- Doncaster IAPT NHS psychological therapies services (IAPT), including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/doncaster-iapt/RXEDM/departments/SRV0339/nhs-psychological-therapies-services-iapt-including-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/
- Mental health access team, Barnsley NHS psychological therapies services (IAPT), including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/mental-health-access-team-barnsley/RXGAA/departments/SRV0339/nhs-psychological-therapies-services-iapt-including-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/
Other charitable bereavement support services
- Cruse Bereavement Support – Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling right now. https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/
- Marie Curie’s Bereavement Support Service – Call 0800 090 2309 to find out more about being matched with a specially trained telephone volunteer who will give you regular bereavement support. https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereavement
- Mind – Provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/useful-contacts/
- Macmillan Cancer Support – Provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/supporting-someone/coping-with-bereavement/support-with-grief