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Unexpected death of  child

The death of a child, however that happens and whatever the age of the child, is an enormous loss. Here you will find information and services that can support you in your bereavement.   

Local support to you in East Suffolk:

Unexpected death of a child service  

(co-ordinated by LivingGrief

at St Elizabeth Hospice) 

  • This service is open to anyone affected by the death of a child (under 18) where the death was not anticipated.  

  • 5 sessions individual, couples or family counselling face to face or online  

  • Phone: 0300 303 5196 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm)

  • Use the online referral form

Go to LivingGrief

Perspectives

  • Free local support based in Ipswich for those experiencing unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post abortion loss.  

  • Face to face and online listening and counselling sessions are available.  

  • Phone: 07540 635236 

Go to Perspectives

East Anglia's

Children's Hospices 

(EACH)

  • EACH offers bereavement support to family members and significant others affected by the death of a child under 18 who has died from a life-limiting condition 
  • A range of therapeutic interventions and support groups can be offered to individuals or families either face to face or online.
  • Contact by phone 01223 800800 or via their referral form
Go to EACH

Suffolk Cruse

  • Free bereavement support to adults and specialist support to children and young people.     

  • Information on website, one to one bereavement support via zoom or phone (6 sessions)

Go to Suffolk Cruse

Petals - The Baby Loss Counselling Charity

  • Specialist counselling for parents who experience mental health issues as a result of bereavement, trauma or loss related to pregnancy including miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and neonatal loss.   

  • Up to 6 free sessions of counselling delivered online via Zoom. 

  • For women, men and couples

  • Contact via website or call 0300 688 0068  

Go to Petals

Compassionate Friends

  • Free support for bereaved parents and their families  whatever the age of the child  

  • Online information, Facebook groups and events, community forum and helpline  

  • Helpline:  0345 123 2304 open 10-4pm and then 7-10pm every day of the year

  • Your nearest local support group takes place at Rowhedge, near Colchester every 2nd Sunday of the month from 3pm-5pm.

  • Phone via national number: 0345 123 2304  

  •  

Go to Compassionate Friends

National organisations:

Brake

  • Offers support and advice to relatives following death by road traffic accident.   

  • A caseworker offers a listening ear, information and advice to help meet needs and offers advocacy (talking on your behalf with others to get things done) for as long as you need. 

  • Contact 0808 8000 401 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday) 

Go to Brake

SOBS 
(Survivors of Bereavement
by Suicide)

  • For anyone over the age of 18 bereaved by suicide   

  • Helpline, online peer support groups, retreats and information.

  • Closest group meeting face to face in Frinton, Essex.    

  • Phone: 0300 111 5065

Go to SOBS

Winston's Wish

  • Free support for grieving children and young people aged 8-25 years old who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or other close relative.   

  • Information, advice and online support. Support is also available for carers and parents supporting grieving children.

Go to Winston's Wish

Samm
(Support after
Murder and Manslaughter)

  • Open to families, friends and communities affected by murder or manslaughter   

  • One to one support, peer group pop up cafes, online communities and empowerment weekends   

  • Phone: 0121 472 2912

  • Text: 07342 888570

Go to Samm

Marie Curie

  • Free support for any bereavement    

  • Information, a support line and 6 sessions with a volunteer listener.    

  • Phone: 0800 090 2309 

Go to Marie Curie

Sue Ryder

  • Free support for adults 2 months & after a bereavement   

  • Online information, 6 online counselling sessions and access to an online peer support community.

  • Sue Ryder is offering UK residents grief support via text message, *free of charge* for a full year.

  • This is a wonderful way to offer bereaved family members extra support over the holidays, and all year long.

  • Access the text service here.

Go to Sue Ryder

The Way Foundation (Widowed and Young)

  • For anyone who has lost a partner before their 51st birthday.   

  • 24/7 helpline and online peer support community.   

  • Phone: 0870 011 3450 

Go to The Way Foundation

Child Bereavement UK

  • Child Bereavement UK helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

  • Supports children and young people up to the age of 25 who are facing bereavement, and anyone affected by the death of a child of any age.

  • Offers free, confidential support by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK. 

  • Phone: 0800 02 888 40

Go to Child Bereavement UK

Child Death Helpline

  • Free telephone service with volunteers who are bereaved parents for family and friends needing support including teachers and care givers.

  • A confidential space to talk. 0800 282 986

Go to Child Death Helpline
Walk-On-Group-Image

Discover local
group support

Social groups can help you connect with others who may be experiencing similar experiences of grief too.

 

Group support can help you feel less alone and can greatly improve your mental health.

​

Discover groups in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Felixstowe & surrounding areas.

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