Bereavement Support (Scottish Cot Death Trust)

Who is this for?

• Families who are directly affected by the sudden or unexpected loss of a baby or child

Description

Support;

We aim to provide bespoke support which best suits individuals when and where they need it. We have a dedicated Bereavement Support Manager covering Scotland to provide support, practical advice and information to help you in all aspects of your bereavement. The Bereavement Support Manager is a dedicated point of contact for all of your bereavement needs. They are professionally qualified to support you and help you make decisions about other support available such as counselling and peer support.

Counselling and Play therapy
A free professional counselling service is available for individuals and families directly affected by the loss of a baby or child. We work with a large pool of qualified counsellors around the country.  We also link in with professional, experienced play therapists across the country, who can provide specialised play therapy for siblings affected by the loss of a little brother or sister suddenly and unexpectedly.

The Counsellors and Clinical Psychologists we work with are all experienced and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) or with the British Psychological Society Chartered members registry. We understand that for some of the individuals we refer for counselling, their counselling needs can be complex. It is important to gauge when is the right time to access this support and our Support Manager can help you with this. Counselling may not be for everyone but it is good to know we provide this service free of charge to anyone who feels it would help them.

Peer Support;
Peer support includes our befriending service and online peer support groups. We can put you in contact with either one dedicated befriender – another mum, dad, grandmother or grandfather who has also experienced the death of a baby or child. You can usually meet them in person or speak to them by email, phone or text message. The relationship between you and your befriender is an informal support service and allows you to speak to someone who can empathise with and understand the journey you are sadly taking.

How do I access this?

• Self referral
• Referral by third party

• Community support across the country

Is there a cost?

Free

Opening times

Support services through counsellors and support workers are decided between the family and professional to suit their needs.