Losing someone or something important can be one of life’s most difficult experiences. Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. While the feelings you experience can be overwhelming, support is available.
On this page, you’ll find information, practical advice, self-help resources and organisations to help you understand grief, cope with bereavement and find support when you need it.
Understanding grief
These resources explain how grief can affect us, explore different types of bereavement and offer guidance on navigating the grieving process.
My Grief My Way from The University of Edinburgh. This is an online bereavement support package that you can work through at your own pace. It’s aimed at adults who have lost someone and who recognise that they could use a little bit of help.
Moving through grief, Mind to Mind from NHS Inform. Information about grief, common reactions to loss and ways to cope with difficult emotions.
Bereavement factsheet from Supportline. An introduction to grief, including emotional, physical and practical aspects of bereavement.
Booklets on a wide range of different types of bereavement from Cruse Scotland (Bereavement Support). A range of booklets covering different types of bereavement, including the loss of a partner, parent, child and other loved ones.
Factsheet on bereavement for older people from Age UK. Information for older adults coping with the loss of someone close.
How suicide bereavement is different from Survivors of Bereavement by suicide. Explains the unique challenges that can come with losing someone to suicide and where to find support.
Coping with grief
These resources offer practical advice to help you cope with grief, support someone who is bereaved and look after your wellbeing during difficult times.
15 ways to support someone who is grieving from the Guardian. Practical suggestions for supporting a friend, family member or colleague through bereavement.
Self-care tips for grief from Mindfulness and Grief. Gentle ideas for looking after yourself while grieving.
Grief and Loss: self-care from Grief Watch. Advice on managing grief and taking care of your emotional wellbeing.
Help Guide’s article on ‘Coping with grief and loss’. Information on understanding grief, recognising common reactions and finding ways to cope.
Grief and your mental health from Mind. Explores how grief can affect mental health and where to seek additional support.
Coping with bereavement from Fife HSCP. Practical guidance on navigating the grieving process and accessing support.
Dealing with pet bereavement and pet loss from Blue Cross for pets. Advice for coping with the loss of a beloved pet.
Understanding grief from First Psychology. Information about the grieving process and common emotional responses to loss.
Supporting bereaved children and young people from Child Bereavement UK. Guidance for parents, carers and professionals supporting children after a bereavement.
Worksheets and self-help activities
Here are some workbooks and exercises you can try in your own time.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) workbook on bereavement from NHS Inform. A self-guided workbook using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help you work through grief.
Worksheets on grief, loss and bereavement from Psychology Tools. Printable exercises to help you understand your feelings and develop coping skills.
Organisations and services
Here is a list of UK wide organisations related to bereavement:
Cruse Scotland. Bereavement support, information and resources for anyone who has experienced a loss.
The Good Grief Trust. A directory of bereavement support organisations and resources across the UK.
AtALoss.org. Helps you find bereavement support based on the type of loss you’ve experienced.
Child Bereavement UK. Supports families and professionals when a child dies or when children are bereaved.
Childhood Bereavement Network. Information and support for bereaved children, young people and the adults around them.
The Compassionate Friends. Support for parents, siblings and families following the death of a child.
SANDS. Support for anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
Miscarriage Association. Information and support following miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS). Peer support and resources for people bereaved by suicide.
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief. Resources and information to encourage conversations about death, dying and bereavement.
If you are looking for local support, please go to our service directory to find out what services and projects are available to you.