For support, call
0808 802 0111
Weekdays 9:30am-3pm
Grief Encounter Teddy

Refer a bereaved child or young person

Thank you for considering support from Grief Encounter.

We know people’s needs differ so we offer a range of support services so you can find what feels right for you at the time.

We support children, young people and families who are experiencing mild to moderate difficulties caused by the death of someone close. We also take enquiries and provide schools and professionals with advice and talks.

Regarding direct services to families, we can provide help from our specialised team of trained Family Liaison Officers and Therapists, for:

  • Children and young people who live in England and Wales
  • Children and young people who have experienced the death of parent or sibling (including sibling figure)
  • Children and young people who have experienced the death of a family member who was their main carer (the person they lived with)

To be eligible for our specialist one-to-one help and support from a qualified therapist, you will:

  • Have grief as the main presenting factor
  • Be aged 4–25yrs
  • Be at least 4 months bereaved (referrals can be submitted at any time)
  • Have a gap of at least 3 months since taking part in any other therapeutic support

You/the child or young person will not be:

  • in therapy or a therapeutic provision with another organisation
  • involved in court proceedings or other destabilising circumstances
  • actively self-harming or experiencing suicidal ideation
  • in need of crisis and emergency support

For support, contact our Bereavement Support Team on 0808 802 0111, weekdays 9:30am-3pm, or email

bereavementsupport@griefencounter.org.uk.

Please note, for more specialist support please contact your GP. In an emergency, please call the emergency services or go directly to your local Accident and Emergency department.

Self-referral form

“I don’t think I would be smiling today if it wasn’t for Grief Encounter. My mum died suddenly when I was 15 and we never got to say goodbye. Several months later, my grandmother insisted I attend a Grief Encounter workshop – against my wishes. I never looked back and after several one-to-one therapy sessions and attending many other workshops, my life opened up and here I am today!”

Teenage girl, aged 17, whose mum died from a heart attack.

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Crime

Children who experience parental death are at an increased risk of a criminal conviction

46,300

The number of children in the UK bereaved of a parent every year, the equivalent of 127 a day

Emotional challenges

Bereaved children often experience significant emotional challenges that can affect their communication and social interactions.