Helpful resources
Here we have gathered a range of national organisations, online tools and reading materials that may support children and young people who are experiencing bereavement.
These resources offer different types of support, so you may wish to explore what feels most helpful for you and your child or young person.
National organisations
Child Bereavement UK
Tel: 0800 02 888 40
Website: childbereavementuk.org
Support for families when a child has died or when a child is grieving. They offer a confidential support line, online resources, training, and information for families and professionals.
Childline
Tel: 0800 1111
Website: childline.org.uk
A free, confidential helpline for children and young people. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering support on any issue or worry.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: cruse.org.uk
Youth site: hopeagain.org.uk
Support for bereaved people of all ages, including dedicated services for children and young people. Hope Again is Cruse’s youth website, offering stories, advice and peer support.
Grief Encounter
Tel: 0808 802 0111
Website: griefencounter.org.uk
Offers support for bereaved children and young people, including a helpline, resources, and specialist programmes for families.
Winston’s Wish
Tel: 08088 020 021
Website: winstonswish.org
Provides support for children and young people after bereavement, including suicide, sudden or traumatic death. Offers a helpline, resources, and family support programmes.
Online support and apps
These apps and online services may help children and young people manage emotions, anxiety and grief in their own time:
- Wysa – a chat-based mental health support app
- Clear Fear – tools to help manage anxiety
- Calm Harm – support for managing self-harm urges
- Calm – mindfulness and relaxation
- Headspace – guided meditation and mindfulness
- Kooth – free online counselling for young people aged 11–18 in Essex
- The Mix – mental health support for under 25s
- In Hand – mood-based activity suggestions
- Stop, Breathe, Think – guided mindfulness exercises
Books that may help
These books can help children and young people explore grief, memory and connection in a gentle way:
- The Invisible String – Patrice Karst
- Always and Forever – Alan Durant
- The Paper Dolls – Julia Donaldson
- The Heart and the Bottle – Oliver Jeffers
- Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine – Diana Crossley
More support for families and adults
You may also find it helpful to explore our Adult Bereavement Support resources, which offer information and guidance for adults who are grieving.