Grief support at Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those who are bereaved or grieving. We have pulled together a list of resources that you can turn to when you need a break from the festivities to find some calm and solace.
Grief self-care
Sometimes simple things can help to improve mood and offer comfort when emotions run high. Our Grief Self Care Blog offers some really helpful tips on how to take care of yourself when grieving, no matter what the time of year.
Books on grief and death
Whether you're looking for a self-help guide, a thought provoking novel, or just thoughts and wisdom on grief, bereavement, death and dying, our Grief Booklist offers a wealth of different options from novelists, respected academics and those who have had first hand experience.
Movies about the end of life
Exploring end of life stories through films can teach us important life lessons and be a useful way of kickstarting often uncomfortable conversations. Movies are a moyenne through which to destigmatise death and dying. Check out our Part of Life Movie Library.
Music to soothe
When there are no words, there is music. The Part of Life Playlist contains songs, music and podcasts from a wide range of genres, but all are designed to destigmatise death, grief and loss. Tune in, skip or rewind and find your track in our Wellbeing Library.
The power of poetry
If music be the food of love, can poetry be the balm to death? Visit our Poetry Library and decide for yourself.
Supporting children and teenagers
It can be very hard to know how to support a child or young person through bereavement and grief.
Here are a couple of guides to help you navigate your way through what can be a very difficult journey.
Beth Nielsen Chapman interview
Beth Nielsen Chapman is renowned for creating music to soothe and inspire. In this candid interview we discuss the taboo of death, the death of Beth’s beloved husband, her own breast cancer diagnosis and the support and death of her friend and fellow artist Olivia Newton John. She also shares her views on the role music and creativity can play in adding life to days.
Grief support
You may find that you need more than self care over Christmas.
If you’re feeling low and looking for a helping hand, make sure to click on the links below to access support.
24 HOUR SUPPORT LINES
Samaritans 116 123 (UK) For anyone at anytime for any reason
Childline 0800 1111 Support for 18yrs & under and their relatives
Silverline 0800 470 8090 Support for the over 50's
DAY/EVENING SUPPORT LINES
National Bereavement Service 0800 0246 181 Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00,
Sat 10:00 - 14:00, Sun – CLOSED
Cruse 0808 808 1677 Nationwide bereavement support
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland 0808 802 6161 Mon - Fri 9am-8pm and Sat/Sun 1-4pm
Child Bereavement UK 0800 02 88840 Helpline (9 - 5pm)
Child Death Helpline
0800 282 986
0808 800 6019
Every evening 7-10pm
Mon/Thurs / Fri - 10am - 1pm
Tues/Wed - 10am - 4pm
Bereavement Advice Centre 0800 634 9494 - Practical advice (9 - 5pm)
DrugFam 0300 888 3853 Drug and Alcohol addiction. The helpline line is available between 9am and 9pm seven days a week.
Sands 0808 164 3332 10am-3pm Mon to Fri daytimes and 6pm-9pm Tues to Thurs evenings. Free confidential helpline for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide 0300 111 5065 9am-9pm every day
Breathing space Scotland Helpline for when it becomes difficult to cope 0800 838587 - Monday to Thursday - 6pm - 2am, Friday 6pm - 6am
The Compassionate Friends 0345 123 2304 - Open every day 10 am – 4 pm, 7-10 pm
The Lullaby Trust 0808 802 6868 - Monday - Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, Weekends and Public holidays, 6 pm - 10 pm
Marie Curie 0800 090 2309 - Practical and clinical information and support on all aspects of end of life and bereavement.
Open Monday - Friday, 8am – 6pm
Open Saturday, 11am – 5pm on Saturday