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Unexpected death
of child

The death of a child, however that happens and whatever the age of the child, is an enormous loss. Here you will find information and services that can support you in your bereavement.   

Local support in East Suffolk:

Unexpected death of a child service  

  • This service is co-ordinated by LivingGrief at St Elizabeth Hospice and open to anyone affected by the death of a child (under 18) where death was not anticipated. 

  • 5 sessions of individual, couple or family counselling face to face or online. 

  • Call 0300 303 5196 or use online referral form.​​​​

Get support

Compassionate Friends

  • Support for bereaved parents and families  whatever the age of the child.  

  • Online information, Facebook groups and events, community forum and helpline.  

  • The nearest local support group takes place at Rowhedge, near Colchester.

  • Call 0345 123 2304.

Get support

East Anglia's
Children's Hospices 

  • ​Bereavement support for families affected by the death of a child under 18 who has died from a life-limiting condition.

  • Therapeutic interventions and support groups can be offered to individuals or families either face to face or online.

  • Call 01223 800800 or use online referral form.

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Get support

Petals - The Baby Loss Counselling Charity

  • Specialist counselling for parents who experience mental health issues as a result of bereavement, trauma or loss related to pregnancy.   

  • Up to 6 free sessions of counselling online via Zoom. 

  • Call 0300 688 0068 or contact online via their website.​​​

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Get support

National organisations:

Brake

  • Support and advice for relatives following death by road traffic accident.   

  • A caseworker offers information, advice and advocacy (talking on your behalf with others to get things done). 

  • Call 0808 8000 401. â€‹

Get support
Child Bereavement UK

  • Help for children, parents and families when a child grieves or dies.

  • Free confidential support for children and young people facing bereavement, and anyone affected by the death of a child.

  • Call 0800 028 8840. â€‹â€‹â€‹

Get support
Child Death Helpline
 

  • For anyone affected by the death of a child no matter their age or how long ago the loss occurred.

  • Free telephone and email service manned by volunteers who are bereaved parents.

  • Call 0800 282 986 or email contact@childdeathhelpline.org.

Get support
The Lullaby Trust

  • Bereavement support following the unexpected or sudden death of a baby or young child.   

  • A listening bereavement support helpline. No waiting list. 

  • Call 0808 802 6868.

Get support
SAMM 

  • Open to families, friends and communities affected by murder or manslaughter.   

  • One to one support, peer group pop up cafes, online communities and empowerment weekends.   

  • Call 0121 472 2912 or text 07342 888570.

Get support
Sue Ryder
  • Free support for adults 2+ months after bereavement.  

  • Online information, 6 online counselling sessions and access to an online peer support community.

  • Grief support for UK residents via text message. Access the text service here.

Get support
Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

  • Support for those who lost a child aged 1 to 18 years to the sudden and unexpected death.

  • Following registration with SUDC UK, get connected with expert professional and peer support.

  • Call 07880 350942 or email info@sudc.org.uk. 

Get support
Marie Curie

  • Free support for any bereavement.    

  • Information, a support line and 6 sessions with a volunteer listener.    

  • Call 0800 090 2309. 

Get support
Young Lives vs Cancer

  • Social workers provide support before a child dies and during bereavement.

  • This can include planning, dealing with immediate priorities, help with funeral costs, Young Lives vs Cancer Facebook group for bereaved parents and other bereavement support for up to 18 months. 

Get support
RoadPeace
 

  • Information and support for people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes. 

  • Befriender Service, Online Support Groups, Resilience Building Support Programme.

  • Call 0800 160 1069 or email helpline@roadpeace.org.

Get support
Walk-On-Group-Image

Discover local
group support

Social groups can help you connect with others who may be experiencing similar experiences of grief too.

 

Group support can help you feel less alone and can greatly improve your mental health.

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Discover groups in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Felixstowe & surrounding areas.

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