The isolation and loneliness that this period of the Lockdown has created for a lot of people has been very challenging and for those who have been bereaved, it has been and continues to be, a very difficult time.
Our team of dedicated volunteers continue to keep in regular contact with many of the ‘visitors’ who have come along to the Bereavement Help Point that was held, before the lockdown, in the Sacred Heart every Friday Morning.
The regular Bereavement Help Points have been suspended at this time due to Covid-19.
Working in partnership with Community Together CIC, NHS South East Staffs (Social Prescriber) Staffordshire Fire and the Tamworth Partnerships Team, we have been offering telephone bereavement support to those who are struggling in the present situations. This support will continue until we can begin the face to face Help Point again
St Giles are facilitating Virtual Bereavement Help Points using Zoom Conferencing and these operate on a Monday from 10:30am – 12 noon and a Thursday from 2pm – 3.30pm. Please contact us on 01543 434536 for details of how to access these meetings.
Please see below a list of numbers you may find useful in order to access bereavement advice and support.
If you are in crisis, please telephone the Samaritans on the number below or contact your local GP or go to A&E.
Do you need to speak to someone now? 24 hour support lines
| Samaritans: | 116 123 | For anyone at any time for any reason |
| Childline | 0800 1111 | Support for under 25yrs and their relatives |
| Silverline | 0800 470 8090 | Support for people over the age of 70 |
Day/Evening Support Lines
| Bereavement Advice Centre | 0800 634 9494 | Practical advice (9-5pm) |
| Blue Cross – Pet Bereavement Support | 0800 096 6606 | Support for those affected by the death of a pet |
| BRAKE | 0808 8000 401 | Support for people affected by road death – Open 10am – 4pm |
| Cruse | 0808 808 1677 | Nationwide Bereavement Support |
| A Child of Mine | 07803 751229 | Support for parents following the death of a child |
| Muslim Bereavement Service | 020 3468 7333 | Bereavement support for the Muslim community |
| Sands: Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity | 0808 164 3332 | Free confidential helpline after the death of a baby |
| SOBS: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide | 0300 111 5065 | 9am-9pm every day |
| St Giles Hospice | 01543 434536 | Helpline for bereavement support which is open 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 1pm Saturday & Sunday |
| Widowed and Young | www.widowedandyoung.org.uk | Support for young widows |
Support for children and young people
| Child Bereavement UK | 0800 028 8840 | Helpline available 9am – 5pm |
| Winston’s Wish | 0808 802 0021 | Helpline available 9am – 5pm |
