Frequently Asked Questions

Bereavement care is compassionate support and guidance provided to individuals and families coping with the loss of a loved one. It acknowledges that grief is deeply personal and can be overwhelming, offering a kind, patient, and understanding presence to those experiencing loss. Bereavement care aims to help people feel heard, less alone, and supported through whatever stage of grief they are in.

Services provided by bereavement care include:

• Personal, one-to-one emotional support
• Safe group spaces for shared experiences and comfort
• Training for people who want to support others compassionately

The focus is on listening, holding space, and offering a safe environment to openly share thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. It is free of charge and available especially to individuals and families in communities such as Harrow and Hillingdon (North West London area).

Bereavement care supports healing by helping people understand their grief, cope with emotions, and adapt to life after loss. The service is offered by trained volunteers who provide home visits, drop-in groups, and ongoing support. Bereavement care also emphasises the importance of connection, education, and preventing feelings of isolation associated with grief.

Bereavement Care at www.bereavementcareandsupport.co.uk is a registered charity focused on providing this vital support with kindness, respect, and confidentiality to help individuals navigate their grief journey.

If you or someone you know is facing bereavement, we offers a caring hand to help you through the difficult time, ensuring no one has to face grief alone. You can contact us for more information or support at 020 8427 5720.

The services of Bereavement Care (www.bereavementcareandsupport.co.uk) are available to a wide range of people affected by grief and loss. Specifically, their support is for:

• Bereaved adults, children, and young people, including those who have lost family members, friends, or teachers.
• People who have experienced bereavement regardless of when the loss occurred.
• Individuals coping with sudden, unexpected, or untimely deaths.
• Those who have witnessed traumatic or violent deaths.
• People who encounter death as part of their work.
• Survivors of disasters.
• Those who work with bereaved children, young people, and their families.

The charity operates mainly in the London Boroughs of Harrow, Hillingdon, and surrounding areas. Our services are free, confidential, and include one-to-one emotional support (such as home visits or meetings in convenient venues), support programs for children and young people, friendly support groups, and training for those who want to help others compassionately.

Yes. We provide bereavement support services free of charge.

As a charity, we are self-funded and rely on the generosity of our supporters and the community to operate."

Once you share your contact details—either by phone or through our website—a trained volunteer will usually call you to gently explore your situation. 

The conversation is informal and supportive, giving you space to ask questions or share concerns. 

If we believe a different kind of support might be more helpful, we’ll talk it through and guide you toward it.

Our priority is helping you find the support that’s right for you.

Every bereavement is unique, and if we’re able to help, we will listen with care and respect as you begin to talk about your experience.

Yes. We have a dedicated Children’s Bereavement Visiting Group. Our specially trained volunteers can visit at home or school, and we work closely with parents, guardians, and educational staff to provide sensitive support for young people.

Yes—all staff and volunteers who work directly, regularly, and unsupervised with children at Bereavement Care are required to complete an Enhanced DBS check, which is the UK’s highest level of criminal record disclosure. This ensures that only those suitable to work with children are in these roles, in line with statutory safeguarding requirements for regulated activity. Our commitment to your child’s safety is taken very seriously—please contact us if you have any questions about our safeguarding policies.

Yes. Our informal support groups allow bereaved individuals to meet others who understand their experience. You can join group discussions or arrange a private chat with one of our visitors during group sessions.

Donations help us continue to provide our free bereavement support services, train our volunteers, and cover the operational costs of our charity.

Yes. Anything shared during visits or group sessions with our volunteers is strictly confidential, except in circumstances where safety or legal requirements necessitate otherwise.
We listen with care and respect, and are here to support you through your bereavement journey.

The duration varies depending on individual needs. Some people benefit from a few sessions, while others may need ongoing support.

Bereavement visitors to join our dedicated team of volunteers supporting bereaved adults and children who live in the local community.   Please reach us at admin@bereavementcareandsupport.co.uk  You can also call us on 020 8427 5720. 

You will receive full training. Additional training is given for visitors joining our Children’s Group.

If you need urgent support after a bereavement, here are the steps and resources you can access in the UK:

• Call emergency services (999) if you are in a crisis or need immediate help.
• Contact Samaritans at any time by calling free on 116 123. They are available for support for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in crisis
  
  • Childline (0800 1111) for young people. 
• If you need urgent mental health support outside office hours, you can also text the Shout helpline by texting WW to 85258.
• Speak to your GP for urgent but non-emergency medical support related to bereavement distress. You can also call NHS 111 for urgent advice.

This form gathers your key personal, financial, and end-of-life wishes all in one place—so your loved ones can easily manage your affairs and ensure your final wishes are respected.