SERVICE DETAILS
If you want to talk to someone following a bereavement, we’re here for you. Whether your bereavement was expected, happened recently or was some time ago, we can help. We can also support you before your loved one dies.
Call us for free to discuss practical and emotional concerns with one of our trained Support Line Officers, to speak with one of our spiritual care coordinators or get ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer.
Call us on 0800 090 2309 for free bereavement support
Ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer
The Marie Curie Bereavement Service* is for people who might want to have ongoing support, from the same person, over the phone. You can access up to six telephone sessions of 45 minutes.
How does it work?
When you start using the service, you'll be matched with a specially trained volunteer who'll give you regular bereavement support. They'll provide a safe space where you can talk openly about the the things that are worrying you. To find out more, call us or fill out a call back form.
Is it bereavement counselling?
No, the Marie Curie Bereavement Service is not a counselling service. Our volunteers and spiritual care coordinators are here to offer you a safe, confidential space to discuss your feelings and emotions around bereavement. The service may not be suitable for people who require a greater level of support, such as counselling or psychotherapy.
What happens if you think I need counselling?
If we think you may benefit from additional support, we'll signpost other services to you and we may discontinue our sessions. We'll always tell you when we feel this may be necessary.
What if I don't want to do all the sessions?
That's no problem. We can end the sessions at any point if you decide you'd prefer not to continue with them. There's no obligation to complete all six sessions.
I just needed somebody to talk to, and somebody to listen to me that wasn’t my family. They listened to me, and they said we know this is going to be a very hard time, and that I’d have to go through this bereavement process.
Need-to-knows about the Marie Curie Bereavement Service
Criteria for accessing the service
The service is designed for people who have lost someone who has died from an illness, it does not have to have been recent.
To sign up for this service, you will need:
- Access to a landline or mobile phone and an email address
- To be able to hear and be understood over the phone
- To be able to commit to regular calls with your matched volunteer over the agreed period of time, during service opening hours.
To be willing to agree to the below conditions and fill out our mutual agreement form.
More ways to get support with bereavement
If the Marie Curie Bereavement Service isn't quite what you need, but you still want to talk to someone, you can call our Support Line on 0800 090 2309*.
For example, if you need support with arrangements or want to discuss coping and adapting to life after a bereavement.
Our trained staff can provide a listening ear and a safe space to talk about grief and loss. You don’t need to have used the Support Line before and your conversation will be private and confidential.
*Calls are free. Lines are open Monday to Saturday. Lines are closed on Sunday. This service is available for adults aged 18 or above.
