Lighting a candle here is a small, quiet way of saying: this person mattered, and they still do. But grief doesn't stay quiet in real life. Some days it's manageable. Other days it isn't. And on those harder days, what helps most isn't a webpage - it's a person on the other end of a phone who has been trained to listen.
This post brings together some of the UK's most established bereavement and emotional support charities, so you have real numbers to hand when you need them. We're not affiliated with any of these organisations - we simply want you to know they exist.
Contact details for charities can change. We've checked each one carefully, but we'd always encourage you to double-check on the organisation's own website before relying on a number, particularly if some time has passed since you're reading this.
If you're in crisis right now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999, or go to your nearest A&E. For urgent (but non-emergency) medical help, you can call 111.
Samaritans Whatever you're going through, Samaritans will listen - without judgement, and without needing you to be suicidal or in a specific kind of crisis to call. They're one of the few services genuinely open every hour of every day.
- Call free: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- Website: samaritans.org
- You can also write to them by post, or visit a local branch in person
General bereavement support
Cruse Bereavement Support The UK's leading bereavement charity, offering a national helpline plus local branches, group support and one-to-one sessions, all run by trained volunteers.
- Freephone helpline: 0808 808 1677
- Typical hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am-5pm; Tuesday 1pm-8pm (weekend availability varies by region, so check their website)
- Website: cruse.org.uk
- In Scotland, contact Cruse Scotland instead: 0808 802 6161, crusescotland.org.uk
Marie Curie Bereavement Support Service Originally known for end-of-life care, Marie Curie also runs a free listening service for anyone bereaved - not only those connected to a terminal illness - offering up to six regular sessions with the same volunteer over the phone.
- Support Line: 0800 090 2309 (free from landlines and mobiles)
- Typical hours: Monday-Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am–4pm
- Website: mariecurie.org.uk/support
Support for children and young people
Child Bereavement UK (now incorporating Winston's Wish) Following a recent merger, Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish are now one organisation, supporting bereaved children, young people (up to 25) and the adults caring for them, as well as parents whose child has died.
- Helpline: 0800 028 8840
- The former Winston's Wish freephone line, 0808 802 0021, also continues to operate for now — if in doubt, use the number above or the website
- Website: childbereavementuk.org
Childline For any child or young person, about anything that's troubling them, including bereavement.
- Freephone: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
- Website: childline.org.uk
After the death of a baby or child
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) Confidential support for anyone affected by the death of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy or in the first weeks of life.
- Freephone helpline: 0808 164 3332
- Website: sands.org.uk
The Compassionate Friends A charity of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents supporting others after the death of a child of any age, from any cause.
- Helpline: 0345 123 2304
- Website: tcf.org.uk
After a death by suicide
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) Peer-led support specifically for people who have lost someone to suicide.
- Website: uksobs.org (for current phone and webchat details, as these can vary by day)
A gentle reminder
None of these services - or The Bridge of Lights itself - can replace a conversation with your GP, a bereavement counsellor, or the people close to you. But reaching out to any one of them is not a small thing, and it's not a last resort. It's simply one of the ways you look after yourself while you carry something heavy.