Have you experienced a bereavement recently?  Are you struggling to cope with the loss and don't know who to talk to? 
Here you will find lots of information and guidance about bereavement and what support is available to you.

If you would like to talk to someone about your mental health or a recent loss please email our Student Welfare Officer Leanne who can talk to you about this:
support@futureworks.ac.uk

What is Bereavement?
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. It is characterised by grief, which is a range of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss.

Dealing with a loss at university - 

Bereavement, grief and loss can cause many different symptoms and they affect people in different ways. There's no right or wrong way to feel. As well as bereavement, there are other types of loss such as the end of a relationship or losing a job or home.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• shock and numbness – this is usually the first reaction to loss, and people often talk about "being in a daze"
• overwhelming sadness, with lots of crying
• tiredness or exhaustion
• anger – towards the person you've lost or the reason for your loss
• guilt – for example, guilt about feeling angry, about something you said or did not say, or not being able to stop your loved one dying

These feelings may not be there all the time and powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly.

What helps with grief - 

What you may feel

• There are no set stages or phases of grief which everyone goes through. But some feelings are very common. 
• In the early days you may feel shocked and numb, or you may feel nothing at all. The pain can be overwhelming, and you may experience waves of intense feelings or mood swings. It’s common to find yourself going over and over events. 
• You may find yourself searching for the person who has died. It’s normal to see the person, feel their presence or talk to them. 
• You may feel guilty about things which happened before the death, or about how you feel now. You may feel very angry with yourself or others, or with the person who has died. 
• You may have trouble sleeping or need to sleep more than usual. You may feel sick or panicky. As time goes on you may have strong feelings of longing, sadness, loneliness and sometimes hopelessness and fear about the future.

You may feel a number of things immediately after a death.

Shock: It may take you a long time to grasp what has happened. The shock can make you numb, and some people at first carry on as if nothing has happened. It is hard to believe that someone important is not coming back. Many people feel disorientated - as if they have lost their place and purpose in life or are living in a different world.

Pain: Feelings of pain and distress following bereavement can be overwhelming and very frightening.

Anger: Sometimes bereaved people can feel angry. This anger is a completely natural emotion, typical of the grieving process. Death can seem cruel and unfair, especially when you feel someone has died before their time or when you had plans for the future together. We may also feel angry towards the person who has died, or angry at ourselves for things we did or didn’t do or say to the person before their death.

Guilt: Guilt is another common reaction. People who have been bereaved of someone close often say they feel directly or indirectly to blame for the person’s death. You may also feel guilt if you had a difficult or confusing relationship with the person who has died, or if you feel you didn’t do enough to help them when they were alive.

Depression: Many bereaved people experience feelings of depression following the death of someone close. Life can feel like it no longer holds any meaning and some people say they too want to die.

Longing: Thinking you are hearing or seeing someone who has died is a common experience and can happen when you least expect it. You may find that you can't stop thinking about the events leading up to the death. "Seeing" the person who has died and hearing their voice can happen because the brain is trying to process the death and acknowledge the finality of it.

Other people's reactions: One of the hardest things to face when we are bereaved is the way other people react to us. They often do not know what to say or how to respond to our loss. Because they don't know what to say or are worried about saying the wrong thing, people can avoid those who have lost someone. This is hard for us because we may well want to talk about the person who has died. It can become especially hard as time goes on and other people's memories of the person who has died fade.

After the death of someone very close 
When your parent dies 
Support after someone may have died by suicide
Bereavement through suicide 
Support after a suicide booklet  
Support after someone may have died through suicide 
Men living with a loss
Has someone died? - Restoring hope 

How grief may affect your life
After the funeral, when everyone else's lives seem to go back to normal, you may be left wondering how you're going to cope. You might find it difficult to cope with managing day-to-day activities such as eating and sleeping. Things like going to work, university or social events may seem very difficult.

There’s no single solution. Here are some ways to take care of yourself that may be helpful. It can also help to recognise the feelings of grief that you might be experiencing and get support from family, friends or professionals.#

• Eating - Some people lose their appetite when they’re grieving – if this happens, your appetite may start to return when you’ve had time to grieve. Other people might feel like eating unhealthy foods or not feel like cooking. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to eat as healthily as you can. Eating healthily can give you the energy to get things done and feel better. 
• Sleeping  - Emotional stress such as grief can make you feel tired. If you're having trouble sleeping you can visit your GP. But you can also try things such as exercising during the day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and going to bed at the same time each night.
  You may be kept awake at night thinking about your loved one. Being able to talk about your thoughts and feelings may help. If you have close family and friends, you can try talking to them, or you could try an online chat.
• Crying can be the body's way to reduce stress and soothe itself. It is a normal reaction to someone's death. It doesn't matter whether it's days, weeks, months or years after the death. If you feel like crying, try not to question it - It's also OK if you don't feel like crying – for example, some people might feel numb. Everyone experiences grief differently.
  
  

Suggestions to support yourself when you’re grieving
 Do….. 

•  Talk to other people about the person who has died, about your memories and your feelings 
•  Look after yourself
• Eat properly and try to get enough rest (even if you can’t sleep) 
•  Give yourself time and permission to grieve •
• Seek help and support if you feel you need it 
• Tell people what you need

•  Isolate yourself 
•  Keep your emotions bottled up 
•  Think you are weak for needing help 
•  Feel guilty if you are struggling to cope 
• Turn to drugs or alcohol – the relief will only be temporary

Who to Contact?

Cruse Bereavement Support - Free helpline  0808 808 1677
Marie Curie -  Care and support through terminal illness. Call free on 0800 090 2309 to speak to a trained member of the team, or book to speak to one later or have regular support. 

Bereavement Support for Young People
Winston’s Wish
UK–wide national helpline offering support, information and guidance to children, young people and anyone caring for a child/young person who has been bereaved. The trained staff can listen, offer support, provide information, give options and practical suggestions about how to deal with bereavement and anyone affected. They also have a message board for young people on their website.
Helpline: 08088 020 021 Website: www.winstonswish.org.uk Email: via website

Child Bereavement UK
Supports families when a child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 Email: support@childbereavementuk.org

Grief Encounter
Grief Encounter aims to provide support to anyone who has suffered from bereavement. They offer support via their helpline. Their website has resources for children, teenagers, adults and professionals.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm Helpline: 0208 371 8455 Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk Email: support@griefencounter.org.uk

Hope Support Services
Support services available to anybody aged 11 – 25 when a close family member is diagnosed with a life–threatening illness.
Phone: 01989 566 317 Email: help@hopesupportservices.org.uk

For People Bereaved through Suicide, Crime, or Accident
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Gives callers a chance to talk confidentially with someone who has been bereaved by suicide, to ask questions, and know you’re not alone.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 9pm Helpline: 0300 111 5065 Website: www.uksobs.org Email: sobs.support@hotmail.com

Support after Murder and Manslaughter
Gives callers a chance to talk confidentially with volunteers who have been bereaved by homicide, and to receive advice and support.
Helpline: 0845 872 3440 (if your call isn’t answered please leave a message and they will get back to you) Website: www.samm.org.uk Email: info@samm.org.uk

Through Unity
Set up by families who have been bereaved by homicide.Through their counselling and other services they provide vital support for families who have been affected by this, and aim to campaign and raise awareness of the impact of violent crime.
Phone: 07947 684 605 Website: www.throughunity.co.uk Email: reachingout@throughunity.com

Support After Suicide
A network of organisations that support people who have been bereaved or affected by suicide. Offers support, guides and contact details of useful organisations.
Website: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk

Brake Support
For anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a crash or their carers, however long ago this happened. It is also for professionals who need information about how to help people affected by a crash.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm Phone: 0808 8000 401 Website: www.brake.org.uk Email: helpline@brake.org.uk

Road Peace
Helps bereaved families cope and build resilience through peer support, local group networks and trauma support programmes. They also provide information guides on navigating the justice system and help with seeking fair compensation for bereaved families and seriously injured victims.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm Phone: 0845 4500 355 Website: www.roadpeace.org Email: helpline@brake.org.uk

Victim Support
Free confidential support (independent of the police) for anyone in England or Wales who has been affected by crime.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Phone: 0808 1689 111 Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk Email: via website

Papyrus
Helpline providing practical advice and information to anyone who is concerned that a young person they know may be at risk of suicide, or a young person who is worried about their own suicidal feelings. Papyrus’ trained advisors can help to create safety plans for anyone who is worried about acting on their suicidal thoughts.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday: 2pm – 10pm, Bank Holidays: 2pm – 5pm Helpline: 0800 068 4141 – (Freephone from landlines) Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

For Bereaved Parents
Miscarriage Association
A pregnancy loss helpline which provides information and support.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm Helpline: 01924 200 799 Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk Email: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends
Offer bereaved families support after the death of a child of any age. The Compassionate Friends also has an online Forum where you can talk online and get support from other bereaved parents.
Hours: 10am – 4pm and 7pm – 10pm: every day of the year Helpline: 0345 123 2304 Northern Ireland Helpline: 0288 77 88 016 (10am – 4pm and 7pm – 9.30pm) Website: www.tcf.org.uk Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk

Stillbirth & Neonatal Death (SANDS)
The Sands free Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby, however long ago. Their experienced Helpline Team are there to listen and offer support and information without judgement.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6pm – 10pm Helpline: 0808 164 3332 Website: www.uk–sands.org Email: helpline@uk–sands.org

The Lullaby Trust
Support for families, friends, carers and professionals after the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young toddler.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays: 6pm – 10pm Helpline: 0808 802 6868 Website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk Email: support@lullabytrust.org.uk

Child Death Helpline
Your call will be answered by a trained volunteer who has also lost a child and understands the feelings that surround the death of a child. They offer a confidential, safe environment where you can talk openly about your child’s life and death, and provide support not only at times of crisis but also for the on-going needs over your lifetime.
Hours: Helpline Monday – Friday: 10am – 1pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 1pm – 4pm, Every evening: 7pm – 10pm Helpline: 0800 282 986 – (Free from landlines) Helpline: 0808 800 6019 – (Free from mobiles) Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk Email: via website

• Youth Access - Advice & Counselling 
• Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free 24/7 crisis support. Text YM to 85258
• Samaritans - Call free on 116 123 (24 hours a day)
• Childline - If you are under 19 you can confidentially call, email or talk online about any problem you may be having 
  Helpline: 0800 1111 
• The Mix - If you are under 25 you can contact them free via phone, online chat or email
  Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm daily)
• 42nd Street - 0161 228 732. They provide online support and they also do referrals. On their website, it states “if you are struggling with your mental health and would like to speak with a mental health practitioner call us Monday – Friday 9.30-5 and ask to speak to a duty practitioner on 0161 228 7321. 
• CALM - (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800  58 58 58 (5pm-midnight 365 days a year) or online webchat 
• Shout - Text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hour text service) 
• SANE emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. 
  0300 304 7000 (Helpline open 4.30pm-10.30pm).
• Depression UK 

In crisis? Call 999 if you are in serious distress or in danger of harming yourself or others. Alternatively:

• Go to A&E at your local hospital. The nearest to Futureworks is Manchester Royal Infirmary (0161 276 4147)
• Contact your GP / 111
• Call Samaritans 116 123 (free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) 
• See below for other contact details that maybe beneficial for you, family or friends. 

24/7 mental health helpline for Greater Manchester: 01204 4830

New 24/7 mental health for carers and service users who are currently engaged with the GMMH service - Greater Manchester: 01204 483 071

New 24/7 mental health crisis line for people of all ages in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens & Warrington: 01925 275 309

New 24/7 crisis line for people of all ages in Wigan: 01942 636 395

Are you thinking of suicide?
Are you or someone you know struggling to cope?
For free confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK. They are open weekdays 9am-10pm, weekends & bank holidays 2pm-10pm
Call: 0800 068 4141 
OR Call Samaritans on 116 123 for 24/7 support