Grief is deeply personal, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. Across the UK, there are organisations dedicated to helping people navigate loss — offering emotional support, counselling, and community connection. Whether you’ve recently lost someone or are supporting a friend through bereavement, knowing where to turn can make a meaningful difference.
In this guide, we explore some of the leading national and local bereavement charities that provide compassionate, practical, and culturally sensitive support.
1. Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Support is one of the UK’s best-known charities for grief counselling and advice. Established in 1959, Cruse helps people of all ages cope with the death of someone close to them.
They offer:
- Free, confidential one-to-one sessions with trained volunteers (in person, by phone, or online)
- A national helpline: 0808 808 1677
- Group sessions and online resources, including articles and webinars about understanding grief
Cruse also provides support tailored for children and young people through its Hope Again platform, which offers age-appropriate advice and peer stories.
2. The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust brings together over 900 bereavement services and local support networks across the UK. Their website acts as a central directory where you can search by location, type of loss, or specific needs — such as sudden loss, child bereavement, or loss by suicide.
The organisation’s mission is to ensure that no one feels isolated after bereavement. They also work with NHS trusts and local authorities to improve access to bereavement care within communities.
Website: www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
3. Sue Ryder Bereavement Support
Sue Ryder, a national charity known for its hospices and neurological care centres, also runs a free online bereavement counselling service. Anyone in the UK can register for sessions with trained counsellors or join their online community, which allows people to share experiences and offer mutual support.
Their platform is particularly valuable for those who prefer flexible, at-home support or are unable to access face-to-face services.
Website: www.sueryder.org
4. Winston’s Wish – Supporting Bereaved Children
Winston’s Wish focuses on helping children and young people who have lost a parent, sibling, or close relative. The charity offers professional therapeutic support, guidance for schools and parents, and a free helpline (08088 020 021).
Their services include one-to-one and group sessions, school visits, and an active online community to help young people express grief in a safe and supportive environment.
Website: www.winstonswish.org
5. Local Bereavement Support in Leeds and West Yorkshire
Beyond national charities, there are many local bereavement organisations offering personal and culturally attuned care. In Leeds and surrounding areas, residents can reach out to:
- Leeds Bereavement Forum – A local network providing information, training, and signposting to over 100 support services.
Website: www.lbforum.org.uk
- St Gemma’s Hospice Bereavement Service – Offers counselling and support groups for anyone affected by terminal illness or loss, regardless of whether their loved one was a patient at the hospice.
Website: www.st-gemma.co.uk
- Leeds Mind – Provides specialist grief support as part of its mental health and wellbeing services, including one-to-one therapy and peer groups.
Website: www.leedsmind.org.uk
These local organisations understand the diverse communities within Leeds, offering inclusive support that respects different faiths, cultures, and traditions.
Why Professional Bereavement Support Matters
Grief doesn’t follow a fixed timeline. Some people need help in the first few weeks; others only realise months later that they need someone to talk to. Professional bereavement services provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore feelings and rebuild confidence at one’s own pace.
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a step toward healing. The right organisation can offer more than emotional support: they can help with practical matters, connect you with others who’ve experienced loss, and guide you through the process of rebuilding life after bereavement.
Compassionate Support from Gooding Funeral Services
At Gooding Funeral Services, we understand that care doesn’t end with the funeral. We regularly connect families with trusted bereavement services — both national and local — that offer emotional, cultural, and spiritual support.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team is always available to listen and help you find the right organisation for your needs.
Read more from our guide on funeral services in the UK.
