Bereavement support

Whether you call our Helpline, speak to one of our Community Support Officers or join one of our online forums we’re here to listen and support you through this incredibly difficult time. And we know that money is the last thing you’ll want to think about, so financial support through our Rebuilding Futures Fund can help with the unexpected costs that come when someone dies.

Forever Funds are a lasting way to remember someone special to you, whilst raising vital funds to fight meningitis. A fund is named after your loved one and becomes a permanent memorial to them. All the money you, your friends and family raise in memory of your loved will be added to your special fund.

Find out more about Meningitis Now Forever Funds.

We offer both a Bereavement Support group and Peer Support group on Facebook. These closed and moderated Facebook groups are safe places where you can post stories, ask questions and share your experiences with other people who understand. The groups can help you to:

• Feel less alone following a meningitis experience
• Connect quickly with a community of people with similar or shared experiences, from the comfort of your own home
• Learn more about meningitis and its impact

In order to be a member of our Facebook support groups, you will be asked to confirm the nature of your meningitis experience, that you are 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 specialist attention, we encourage you to seek professional guidance; please contact our Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 if you are unsure.

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 Payment helps 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.

Assistance with Child Burials (Wales)
Information on funding and arrangements for local government to not charge for the burial of children in Wales.

Home visits are offered by our Community Support Officers (CSOs) who can come and visit you at home or speak to you via email or phone. 

• Contact the CSO in your region

Forever Days and Forever Weekends are support events for people who have lost a loved one to meningitis

Find out more