Our nurse-led helpline and Community Support Officers will listen and support you as you live through this incredible difficult time.
We have online forums, through our Facebook bereavement support group, and through our Rebuilding Futures Fund we can also help with the unexpected costs that come when someone dies.
CSO Support
Community Support Officers are based across the UK, offering a listening ear and a wealth of knowledge and experience – either on the phone, email or as a home visit. Through our CSOs, we can offer bereavement support through the initial grief and trauma and ongoing support tailored to your needs.
Online forums
We offer a Bereavement Support group on Facebook. This closed and moderated Facebook group is a safe place where you can post stories, ask questions, and share your experiences with other people who understand. This group can help you to feel less alone following a meningitis experience, connect with a community of people with similar or shared experiences and learn more about meningitis and its impact.
To be a member of our Bereavement Support group, you must be over 18 years of age and resident in the UK. Please note that our online support is not a substitute for therapeutic or medical advice. If you feel like you require more specialist support, we encourage you to seek professional guidance; please contact our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 if you are unsure.
Forever Events
We run support events for people who have lost a loved one to meningitis. Forever Weekends are for adults only. These events provide opportunities to talk about your loved one, take part in sessions with bereavement specialists and meet others who understand what you’re going through, regardless of how many years have passed.
Forever Funds
An online Forever Funds is a lasting way to remember someone special to you, whilst raising vital funds to fight meningitis. A fund named after your loved one becomes a permanent memorial to them. All the money raised in memory of your loved one is added to your fund. You are also welcome to visit one of our remembrance gardens.
Other sources of support
Whilst we are not bereavement specialists, we do have over 30 years’ experience of understanding the impact a sudden loss of a loved one from meningitis can have. We will support you in any way we can, for as long as you need us. However, if our bereavement support is not right for you, we can help signpost you to dedicated bereavement organisations.
Cruse (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Cruse (Scotland)
Provides a telephone helpline for support after bereavement. It also has trained volunteers who provide face-to-face support and practical advice in branches across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish is the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. They offer practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals. Helpline 08452 03 04 05.
The Child Death Helpline
A helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago.
Child Bereavement UK
Support and advice from bereaved young people, for bereaved young people.
Compassionate Friends
Offers family support after the death of a child of any age from any cause.
Children’s Funeral Fund for England
A funeral fund for grieving parents who have lost their child. Under the scheme, parents no longer have to meet the costs of burials or cremations. Fees are waived by all local authorities in England and met instead by government funding.
Funeral Support Payment (Scotland)
Funeral Support Payments help pay for funeral costs if you live in Scotland. You can use the payment towards funeral costs for a baby, child or adult.
Funeral Support Payment (Northern Ireland)
If you're on a low income and need help to pay for a funeral you're arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.