Loss of a child bereavement support
To lose a child is one of the most devastating experiences any parent can face. The effect the child's death can have on all members of the family, can be far reaching and lifelong, with many others beyond the immediate family also deeply affected.
There are a number of different organisations available, which provide support for bereaved parents and families.
Local support
The Madison Shelbie Trust work closely with Hereford County Hospital's Maternity Department to provide free support for parents, and their families, whose baby has died during pregnancy, at birth or afterwards. They offer counselling, one to one support, including home visits if needed and telephone and e-mail support and their Babyloss Befrienders are bereaved parents themselves.
➡ 07799 420553 • madisonshelbietrust@gmail.com
National support
Care for the Family provide a network of trained befrienders, all of whom have experienced the death of a child. There are support days and weekends throughout the UK and a range of helpful information and resources is available on their website.
➡ 0292 081 0800
Child Death Helpline is a listening service that offers emotional support to all those affected by the death of a child of any age. The free and confidential helpline is available 10am to 1pm Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 4pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 7pm to 10pm every evening.
➡ 0800 282 986
The Compassionate Friends provide support following the death of a child of any age, through any circumstances. They offer a wide range of information and resources, along with online support through community forums and Facebook groups and a telephone helpline.
➡ 0345 123 2304 • helpline@tcf.org.uk
The Lullaby Trust offer confidential support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.
➡ 0808 802 6868 • support@lullabytrust.org.uk
The Miscarriage Association has a range of leaflets and factsheets to help answer commonly asked questions about pregnancy loss. They also offer an online support service and telephone helpline (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm).
➡ 01924 200799 • info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Life provide free and confidential counselling and support for those suffering trauma after an ectopic pregnancy or any pregnancy loss. The national helpline is available 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm Friday and Saturday.
➡ 0808 802 5433 / 07860 077339 (text support)
Sands provide support for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby, whether recently or a long time ago.
➡ 0808 164 3332 • helpline@sands.org.uk