From My Heart to Yours x
Losing someone leaves a silence that can feel unbearable. The shock, the pain, the questions they can consume your days.
Please know this: you are not alone. There is help, there is support, and there are people who understand what you’re carrying. These resources are a place to start.
Bereavement Support
Immediate Helplines
Samaritans: 116 123 — Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline: 0808 808 1677 — Free support for anyone affected by grief.
Child Bereavement UK: 0800 02 888 40 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) — Supports children, young people, parents & families after a child’s death.
Winston’s Wish: 0808 802 0021 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm) — Support for children and young people (and those who support them) affected by bereavement.
The Good Grief Trust — A hub for grief support & information.
Helpful Websites & Resources
Cruse Bereavement Care: cruse.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK: childbereavementuk.org guides for families, children and young people.
The Good Grief Trust: thegoodgrieftrust.org
The Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN): childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk — Support for children/young people and their families, plus resources for schools.
National Bereavement Service: Practical help for legal, financial, and administrative tasks after a death.
Parent Loss: Children & Young People
Winston’s Wish
Specialist in child & youth bereavement, including sudden or traumatic parent loss.
Helpline: 0808 802 0021 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm)
Text/WhatsApp (13+): 07860 058 793
Email: ask@winstonswish.org
Website: winstonswish.org
Offers counselling, guidance for caregivers, school resources, and online chat.
Child Bereavement UK
Supports children, young people, parents, and families when someone important dies suddenly.
Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
Website: childbereavementuk.org
Provides 1:1 support, specialist resources for parent loss, group sessions, and guidance for adults supporting grieving children.
Parent Loss: Adults & Families
Cruse Bereavement Support
For anyone grieving any kind of loss.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: cruse.org.uk
Trained bereavement volunteers offering emotional support and practical advice.
The Good Grief Trust
A hub for finding the right type of bereavement support.
Website: thegoodgrieftrust.org
Includes searchable services, emergency links, and parent-loss resources.
AtaLoss
A national database of bereavement support tailored to your location, age, and type of loss.
Website: ataloss.org
Helps you find local groups, charities, and trauma specialists.
Encephalitis Resources
Support and Helplines
The Encephalitis Society
Website: www.encephalitis.info
Helpline: +44 (0)1653 699599
Email: support@encephalitis.info
They offer support, resources, and advice for anyone affected by encephalitis — including families, carers, and survivors.
UK 24-hour Mental Health Helplines (for emotional support)
Samaritans: 116 123 – Free, 24/7
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm)If you’re outside the UK, you can find international helplines here: findahelpline.com, which lists free and confidential mental health support in most countries.
Support Groups & Community
The Encephalitis Society’s Online Forum: A safe space to connect with others who understand.
Facebook Support Group: Encephalitis Survivors and Carers
Local meet-ups and webinars via The Encephalitis Society website.
Learn More
NHS Overview: www.nhs.uk/conditions/encephalitis
Brain & Spine Foundation: www.brainandspine.org.uk
Research and awareness campaigns through The Encephalitis Society.