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

Who provides this?

• Scottish Cot Death Trust

Description

The Scottish Cot Death Trust provides a range of support services for families who are directly affected by the sudden or unexpected loss of a baby or child. You can have a dedicated support worker with whom you can build a relationship, as well as having a referral to counselling, and contact with other bereaved parents or grandparents.

Its professional counselling service is available for individuals and families, and the Scottish Cot Death Trust works with a large pool of qualified counsellors around the country. Counselling is available for individuals or couples who have experienced the loss of a child, or for young adults and children too who have experienced the loss of a sibling. Play therapy is often recommended for children, and counselling will always be tailored to your needs.

Peer support includes a befriending service and online peer support groups. You can be put in contact a dedicated befriender – another mum, dad, grandmother or grandfather who has also experienced the death of a baby or child. You can then choose to meet them in person or speak to them by email, phone or text message. Your befriender is not a trained counsellor, so the relationship between you and your befriender is an informal support service.

The Scottish Cot Death Trust also organises Family Days in different locations in Scotland at different times of the year which are free to attend. This means that as well as having a family day out, you can meet other bereaved families in a relaxed and more natural way.

How do I access this?

• Self-referrals
• Referrals by third parties

Is there a cost?

Free

Is there a waiting list?

Yes

Location information

• Community support across the country

Opening times

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