Eliza Elliott, Legacy Adviser at Octopus Legacy
Updated 27 March 2026

Bereavement Support Services UK: Free Helplines, Chat and Counselling

Grief affects everyone differently. There's no right or wrong way to feel after someone dies. But you don't have to face it alone.

The UK has a strong network of bereavement support services — from 24/7 phone lines and online chat to specialist organisations for specific types of loss. Many are completely free.

This guide lists the main services available in 2026, with up-to-date phone numbers, opening hours, and the types of support each one offers. Whether you need someone to talk to right now or you're looking for longer-term help, there's something here for you.

Need support right now? Call the Octopus Legacy bereavement concierge on 0330 828 8870 — one number for practical and emotional help after a death. Or call our partner, the National Bereavement Service, on 0800 024 6121 (free, Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm).

Immediate crisis support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, these services are available now.

Samaritans

Confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings. Available every day of the year, including Christmas.

• Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7, 365 days a year)
• Email: [email protected] (response within 24 hours)
• Online: Webchat and self-help app available via samaritans.org
• In person: Drop into any of 200+ branches across the UK and Ireland — no appointment needed

SupportLine

Confidential emotional support for children, young adults, and adults experiencing abuse, distress, or bereavement.

• Phone: 01708 765200 (Tue–Thu, 6pm–8pm)
• Email: [email protected] (response within 48 hours)
• Website: supportline.org.uk

Bereavement concierge and practical help

When someone dies, the practical tasks can feel overwhelming on top of grief. These services help with both the emotional and admin side.

Octopus Legacy bereavement concierge

A personal assistant for loss. One phone call connects you with practical help — from registering a death and notifying organisations to finding probate support and arranging a funeral. Think of it as a single point of contact for everything you need to do after someone dies.

• Phone: 0330 828 8870
• Website: octopuslegacy.com/bereavement-support
• Also available: Probate support, will writing, and lasting powers of attorney

National Bereavement Service (NBS)

Our partner. NBS provides bespoke practical and emotional bereavement support, helping you navigate the steps after a death. They can assist with financial matters, legal paperwork, and emotional wellbeing — all from one service.

• Phone: 0800 024 6121 (free)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm
• Online: Webchat and email support available
• Website: thenbs.org

General bereavement counselling and support

These organisations offer counselling, peer support, and information for anyone who's been bereaved.

Cruse Bereavement Care

The UK's leading bereavement charity. Cruse offers free support from trained volunteers, including one-to-one sessions, group support, and a national helpline.

• Phone: 0808 808 1677 (free)
• Hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 9:30am–5pm | Tue 1pm–8pm
• Online: Information and resources at cruse.org.uk
• Support types: Phone, face-to-face (local volunteers), group sessions

At a Loss

A UK-wide signposting service that helps you find the right bereavement support for your specific situation. At a Loss also runs The Bereavement Journey, a 7-session programme available in 570+ locations nationwide.

• Online chat: Mon–Fri 9am–9pm (trained counsellors)
• Website: ataloss.org
• Best for: Finding the right support when you're not sure where to start

The Good Grief Trust

A national network connecting over 1,000 specialist bereavement services across the UK. Founded by a bereaved mother, the Trust runs National Grief Awareness Week each December and helps people find local and national support tailored to their loss.

• Website: thegoodgrieftrust.org
• Best for: Searching for specialist services by loss type and location

Bereavement UK

Information and self-help resources about death, dying, bereavement, and funerals.

• Website: bereavement.co.uk

NHS Talking Therapies

Free talking therapy through the NHS for anyone struggling with grief, anxiety, or depression after a bereavement. You can self-refer — no GP appointment needed.

• How to access: Search "NHS Talking Therapies" plus your area, or ask your GP
• Website: nhs.uk/talking-therapies
• Wait times: Typically 2–5 months for a first appointment; treatment runs 6–12 weeks
• Support types: CBT, counselling for depression, interpersonal therapy

Support for specific types of loss

Some bereavements come with particular challenges. These specialist organisations understand what you're going through.

Death of a child or baby

Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.

• Phone: 0800 02 888 40 (free)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm
• Online: Live chat, video support, and instant messenger via childbereavementuk.org
• Email: [email protected]

The Compassionate Friends offers peer support from bereaved parents for bereaved parents and their families, including siblings and grandparents.

• Phone: 0345 123 2304
• Hours: Daily 10am–4pm and 7pm–10pm
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: tcf.org.uk

Death of a partner (under 50)

Widowed & Young (WAY) is a national peer support network for anyone widowed under 50. WAY offers friendship, advice, local support groups, and a legal and financial advice line.

• Phone: 0300 201 0051
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
• Membership: £30/year (gives access to peer network of 4,800+ members)
• Website: widowedandyoung.org.uk

Death by suicide

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) exists to meet the needs of people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide. All support is provided by people with lived experience.

• Phone: 0300 111 5065
• Hours: Mon–Tue 9am–5pm
• Online: Forum and virtual support groups
• Website: uksobs.com

Death by murder or manslaughter

Support after Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) helps anyone who has lost a relative or friend as a result of murder, manslaughter, or unlawful killing. All volunteers have been bereaved through homicide.

• Phone: 0121 472 2912
• Text: 07342 888570
• Online: Forum for peer support
• Website: samm.org.uk

Death in a road accident

Brake is the UK's road safety charity. Their National Road Victim Service provides free support for anyone bereaved or seriously injured by a road crash.

• Phone: 0808 8000 401 (free)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: brake.org.uk

Quick-reference directory

How to choose the right support

Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide.

If you need to talk right now, call the Samaritans on 116 123. They're available 24/7 and you don't need to explain why you're calling.

If you need practical help with registering a death, probate, or organising a funeral, call the Octopus Legacy bereavement concierge on 0330 828 8870 or NBS on 0800 024 6121.

If you'd prefer to type rather than talk, At a Loss offers live chat with trained counsellors (Mon–Fri 9am–9pm) and Child Bereavement UK has chat, video, and messenger options.

If you want ongoing counselling, Cruse Bereavement Care offers free sessions with trained volunteers. NHS Talking Therapies is also free — you can self-refer without a GP appointment, though wait times are typically 2–5 months.

If your loss was in specific circumstances (suicide, murder, road accident, loss of a child, or loss of a partner), scroll up to the specialist sections. Talking to someone who understands your specific situation can make a real difference.

You might also find these helpful

• How to deal with grief — what grief feels like, practical tips, and when to get professional help
• Practical steps in the first week after a death — a day-by-day guide to what needs doing
• How to plan a funeral — week-by-week planning guide with 2026 costs
• Grant of representation explained — what probate is and how to apply
• Executor duties — a complete checklist of what executors need to do

What is the best bereavement helpline in the UK?

For immediate emotional crisis support, call the Samaritans on 116 123 — free, 24/7, 365 days a year. For combined practical and emotional bereavement support, call the National Bereavement Service on 0800 024 6121 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm). For bereavement counselling, contact Cruse Bereavement Care on 0808 808 1677.

Is there a free bereavement counselling service in the UK?

Yes. Cruse Bereavement Care provides free counselling from trained volunteers. NHS Talking Therapies also offers free talking therapy — you can self-refer without a GP appointment, though wait times are typically 2–5 months. At a Loss offers free online chat with trained counsellors Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm.

Can I get bereavement support online or by chat?

Yes. At a Loss offers live online chat with trained counsellors (Mon–Fri 9am–9pm). Child Bereavement UK provides live chat, video calls, and instant messenger support. The Samaritans offer webchat and email. The National Bereavement Service also has a webchat option on their website.

What support is available after a death by suicide?

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) provides specialist support for anyone over 18 bereaved by suicide. Call 0300 111 5065 (Mon–Tue 9am–5pm). They offer phone support, online forums, and virtual support groups, all led by people with lived experience of suicide bereavement.

What is a bereavement concierge?

A bereavement concierge is like a personal assistant for loss. One phone call connects you with help for everything that needs doing after someone dies — from registering the death and notifying organisations to arranging a funeral and applying for probate. Octopus Legacy offers a bereavement concierge service on 0330 828 8870.

How long should I wait before seeking bereavement support?

There's no set timeline. You can reach out for support at any point — whether it's the day someone dies or years later. Grief doesn't follow a schedule. If you're finding it hard to cope with daily life, struggling to sleep or eat, or feeling overwhelmed by sadness or anger, it's worth contacting a bereavement service.

What support is there for children who are grieving?

Child Bereavement UK supports families when a child is grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or other important person. Call their free helpline on 0800 02 888 40 (Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm). They offer phone, video, live chat, and email support. Winston's Wish and Grief Encounter also provide specialist support for bereaved children and young people.

Can I self-refer for NHS bereavement counselling?

Yes. NHS Talking Therapies accepts self-referrals — you don't need a GP appointment. Search "NHS Talking Therapies" plus your area to find your local service. Treatment is free and typically includes CBT or counselling for depression. Wait times are usually 2–5 months for a first appointment, with treatment lasting 6–12 weeks.