Here for someone

Support for you · UK

After someone has died

Where to turn after a bereavement, including a death by suicide.

Short answerYou do not have to work out what kind of support you need before contacting someone. You can speak to a bereavement service, your GP or somebody you trust. If the death was by suicide, specialist peer and practical support is available.
If you may harm yourself or cannot stay safe: call 999 where there is immediate danger, or use the urgent mental-health route for your UK nation. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123.

What you can do today

  1. Tell one person what has happened. This could be somebody you know, your GP, a bereavement helpline or a peer-support service.
  2. Choose one immediate task. If practical decisions feel unmanageable, ask someone to sit with you while you make a call or read the official guidance.
  3. Use specialist support if the death was by suicide. You can contact a service even if you were not the person's closest relative.
Source: NHS bereavement guidance
The NHS says grief affects people in different ways and that there is no right or wrong way to feel. It lists talking to a friend, family member, health professional, counsellor or peer-support service as possible sources of help. NHS: grief after bereavement or loss.

Talk to a bereavement service

England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse supports people after any kind of bereavement. Its helpline is 0808 808 1677. Opening hours can change, so check the current Cruse helpline page before calling.

Scotland: Cruse Scotland

Cruse Scotland provides bereavement support for adults, children and families across Scotland. Its free helpline is 0808 802 6161. Check Cruse Scotland's current support options and hours.

The NHS also says to contact a GP if you are struggling to cope with stress, anxiety or low mood, or if what you have tried is not helping. In England, adults can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies in many areas.

Sources: NHS and Cruse
NHS bereavement guidance explains when to contact a GP and links to NHS Talking Therapies in England. Cruse Bereavement Support describes its branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Cruse Scotland provides the Scotland service.

If the death was by suicide

Support after a suicide can include practical information, one-to-one support and contact with other people who have experienced a suicide loss.

Help is at Hand

This NHS-supported guide covers practical and emotional support after suicide or an unexplained death. Read or download Help is at Hand.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

SoBS offers UK peer-led support for adults affected by suicide loss, including local and online groups, a forum and a support line on 0300 111 5065. Check current services and opening hours with SoBS.

Sources: Support After Suicide Partnership and SoBS
Support After Suicide Partnership brings together UK organisations providing suicide-bereavement support. SoBS describes its service as peer-led support for bereaved adults across the UK.
If a child or teenager has been bereaved

The NHS lists specialist services for bereaved children and young people, including Child Bereavement UK, Grief Encounter, Hope Again and Winston's Wish.

NHS: children and bereavement.

If you need help with what happens after a death

GOV.UK explains the practical steps after a death in England and Wales, including registering the death, arranging a funeral and dealing with benefits and tax. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different routes, which the page links to.

GOV.UK: what to do when someone dies.

Related support

I need support tonightTalk to people who understandGet help for my own mental health

Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a bereavement, crisis or medical service. This page organises public guidance and service information from the organisations linked beside it.

Sources checked: 27 August 2026

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