Bereavement support
We understand everyone’s grief journey is unique. We offer a range of support tailored to your needs.
How we help
Whether it’s online, on the phone or in person, we are here to support families through the most difficult of times.
Our bereavement support is integral to our service and supports each family's unique journey through listening, sharing experiences and remembering.
Our support
Our bereavement support is available for all Demelza families and for as long as they need us.
Support and guidance
At Demelza we provide practical advice and support, helping families with funeral arrangements, registering a child’s death, liaising with employers for time off and schools for sibling support and informing family and friends. We can signpost the family to different agencies, including welfare and social care.
Counselling
The counselling team at Demelza is here to support you and your family. They are here to listen, to help you develop coping skills and to offer guidance. Sessions can be held face to face, online or over the phone. Following an assessment, the team will contact you to talk about how and when counselling may be most helpful and support you in taking this forward.
Creative arts therapies
We have a team of trained art and music therapists, a dance movement therapist and a reflexologist who can offer blocks of sessions at a Demelza site, within an educational setting for siblings, in your own home or online. Once a referral has been made, a member of the team will contact you to book a telephone consultation to discuss the options available to you depending on your needs and location.
Befriending
If you are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, Demelza may be able to put you in touch with one of our trained and experienced befriending volunteers who can offer friendship and a listening ear over the phone or a coffee.
Support for the whole family
Dads and male carers
Experiencing the loss of a child is a unique and challenging journey. Find support, understanding and camaraderie with other men. Contact us to find out about opportunities for connection and support.
Grandparents
Are you a grandparent grieving the loss of a grandchild? You’re not alone. Our supportive group offers a safe space to share your feelings, connect with others and find comfort. Led by trained and experienced bereavement volunteers. No booking required.
If you have any questions about these groups please contact familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk or call us on 01795 845280.
Siblings
Demelza understands the profound impact of sibling loss. Our safe and supportive environment provides tailored opportunities for understanding grief and loss, either individually or within a group.
Through creative arts therapies, one to one sessions, or group activities and trips, we help children and young people process their experiences and feelings.
Bereavement support events
From remembrance events, to a much-needed chat at one of our regular coffee mornings, to workshop group support, we hold a number of events throughout the year.
These events offer families a chance to come together with the wider Demelza community and reflect, reminisce and celebrate the life of their child.
Practical support
Here to help with the everyday
If you need help to get to any Demelza remembrance events or bereavement cafes, please contact our practical support team.
Demelza Choir
Demelza Choir sessions are fun and inclusive with a wellbeing focus and are open to all families, volunteers and colleagues.
Each session involves a mindful vocal warm-up, singing a couple of songs together and a chance to chat over light refreshments.
Grief journals
Demelza offers journals to all bereaved families following feedback from Elizabeth, a bereaved parent, who kept a journal following the death of her son Wilber.
If you would like to read more about the benefits of journaling or some thoughts on where to begin please speak to the team.
"Our time at Demelza was one of hugely mixed emotions. Of course, it was the worst time of our life losing Wilber but we also encountered the most amount of love that we have ever experienced. Writing about it has helped me hold onto that, to write about the good as well as the worst possible.”
Staying connected
In Touch newsletter
Our newsletter, sent every six weeks, is designed to keep you connected and informed by providing updates about services, support groups, sessions and events.
Demelza bereaved families Facebook group
A closed group and dedicated space for families who have experienced the death of a child to share experiences and find support from others going through similar challenges. The group offers peer support and information from the bereavement team about updates, events and other opportunities.
We’re here to help
If you would like to discuss any of the support available, please contact our team on 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk.
If you're not currently supported by Demelza, please fill out our referral form to see how we can help.