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MSA Trust

Bereavement Support

Bereavement affects people in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. You may feel a range of emotions including sadness, anger, helplessness, relief, anxiety or you may just feel very empty. There is no set timetable for starting to adjust to a loss.

If you have been a carer for someone living with MSA it may also be difficult coming to terms with the loss of your caring role. You may also miss the contact you had with your healthcare professional team.

You don’t have to go through bereavement alone. There are lots of ways of getting support at this difficult time. Unfortunately, many of these services may have waiting lists so do bear this in mind when making contact.

Support for Adults

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse offers bereavement information and support including 80 local branches which provide one-to-one and group support, delivered by trained bereavement volunteers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  • Website: www.cruse.org.uk/
  • Helpline: 0808 808 1677 – Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays) with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when they’re open until 8pm. They are also open 10am-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The National Bereavement Service

The National Bereavement Service provides free practical and emotional assistance after a death.

  • Website: https://thenbs.org/
  • Helpline: 0800 0246 121 – Monday to Friday, 9.00am-6.00pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Republic of Ireland and international callers can dial +44 1207 268 681.
  • Email: info@thenbs.org

Carers UK

Practical help and guidance outlining what support is available to bereaved carers and steps to take after losing a loved one.

Care for the Family

Helps families facing a range of difficulties, including bereavement.

Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder provides online bereavement support, information and counselling.

Irish Hospice Foundation

The Irish Hospice Foundation offer leaflets and books, podcasts on grief and loss, and a free support line.

At a Loss

A signposting service that also provides an online bereavement support programme and a counsellor run ‘chat’ service.

Support for Children and Young People

Child Bereavement UK

Offers and online and face-to-face bereavement support service for families where children and young people, up to the age of 25, are bereaved.

Grief Encounters

Their services include a supportive helpline, group activities with families at Fundays, Grief Groups and Remembrance Days and long-term one-to-one counselling.

Winston’s Wish

Support for bereaved children and young people (up to 25), their families, and the professionals who support them. They offer information, bereavement support and counselling.

Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service – Ireland

Barnardos offer support and resources to children who have lost someone. They can provide ebooks for parents, a helpline service and therapeutic interventions for children across Ireland.

Additional Support

If you, or your loved one, have been supported by your local hospice they may have bereavement support available. The type of bereavement support available at hospices differs across the UK and Ireland. Contact your local hospice for details on what they provide.

It is also worth asking your GP if they can refer you for bereavement counselling. Some may have in-house support.

Bereavement Support Payments

Bereavement often comes with financial worries, but there may be help and support available.

If you are of working age you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payments. You could receive a one-off payment of up to £3,500 and up to 18 monthly payments of £350. You can find more information on eligibility and begin your claim by visiting https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/eligibility or call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012.

Help with Funeral Costs

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you could get a Funeral Expenses Payment to help towards funeral costs. For more details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments.

 

 

DATE: 08/23 | REVIEW DATE: 08/26 | VERSION: 1.0

 

 

Disclaimer

We have taken every care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, the information should not be used as a substitute for the advice from appropriately qualified professionals. Speak to your doctor, qualified health care professional or legal professional before taking any action. Please note that personal views and opinions expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the Trust. The resource is produced independently, is not influenced by sponsors and is free from endorsement.

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