If you have been a carer for someone living with MSA it may 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. Below we have outlined some of the main support services available. 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 volunteersacross England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- www.cruse.org.uk/
- Helpline: 0808 808 1677 – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9.30am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays). Tuesday, 1pm-8pm
The National Bereavement Service
The National Bereavement Service provides free practical and emotional assistance after a death.
- www.thenbs.org/
- Helpline: 0800 0246 121 – Monday to Friday, 9.00am-6.00pm and Saturday, 10.00am-2.00pm. Republic of Ireland and international callers can dial +44 191 656 3201.
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.
- www.careforthefamily.org.uk/support-for-you/family-life/bereavement-support/
- Helpline: 029 2081 0800 – Open Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4.30pm.
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.
- www.hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/bereavement-support/.
- Freephone 1800 80 70 77. Open Monday to Friday, 10.00am-1.00pm.
At a Loss
A signposting service that also provides an online bereavement support programme and a counsellor run ‘chat’ service.
- www.ataloss.org/
- AtaLoss Grief Counsellor Live Chat Service – Monday to Friday, 9.00am-9.00pm
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.
- www.childbereavementuk.org/
- National Helpline: 0800 0288 840 – Open Monday to Friday, 8.00am-8.00pm (excluding bank holidays)Â
- Email: ask@childbereavementuk.orgÂ
Grief Encounters
Their services include a helpline, group activities with families at Fundays, Grief Groups and Remembrance Days, and long-term one-to-one counselling.
- www.griefencounter.org.uk/
- Helpline: 0808 802 0111 open Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
- Email: bereavementupport@griefencounter.org.uk
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.
- www.barnardos.ie/our-services/work-with-families/bereavement-services
- Helpline: 01473 2110 – available Monday to Thursday, 10.00am-12.00pm.
- Email: bereavement@barnardos.ie
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.
Your GP may also be able to 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 available.
If you live in the UK and 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 www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/eligibility or call the Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012.
Help with Funeral Costs
In the UK 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 www.gov.uk/funeral-payments.
