Coping with bereavement
Grief can affect people in many different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. This page brings together local and national bereavement services that offer listening support, counselling, peer connection and practical guidance. Some people find it helpful to talk outside of family or friendship circles, or to access specialist bereavement support alongside CancerCare. These organisations are here to help you feel less alone.
How we can help
Counselling
One-to-one sessions with a trained and experienced therapist focuses on helping individuals cope with the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis or a bereavement.
Complementary therapy
We offer a wide range of complementary therapies that are designed to complement clinical treatment. These therapies include massage, reiki, nutritional therapy and much more, delivered at our various centres across the patch.
Volunteer-led support groups
The aim of these drop-in sessions is to provide people with a safe, relaxed and supportive space where they can meet others going through similar experiences.
How other organisations can help
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK offer free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK. They also offer training and resources for employers.
Location: National
Location: National
Cruse Cumbria
A charity helping people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning. Provide bereavement training to workplaces.
Location: Cumbria
Location: Cumbria
Every Life Matters
A suicide prevention and suicide bereavement charity operating across Cumbria. Passionately committed to making our communities suicide safer through awareness raising and training and also offering support for those bereaved by suicide.
Location: Cumbria
Location: Cumbria
Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust exists to help all those affected by grief in the UK. Our vision is to help those bereaved from day one, acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.
Location: National
Location: National
NHS Bereavement Teams
Across Lancashire and South Cumbria there are many organisations that offer bereavement support.
Local support: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Central Lancashire bereavement team & Lancashire and South Lakeland bereavement team
Location: Lancashire and South Cumbria
Local support: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Central Lancashire bereavement team & Lancashire and South Lakeland bereavement team
Location: Lancashire and South Cumbria
Marie Curie
This service is for adults aged 18 or above, who are grieving after someone has died from a terminal illness. Whether you’re grieving for someone who died recently or a long time ago, they can help by talking through your feelings, sharing information, or simply listening. We don't offer counselling, but can give you emotional support.
Location: National
Location: National
St Mary's Hospice Community Hub
Offering support to individuals living with long-term and life-limiting conditions, their families, carers, and those who are bereaved, by providing a welcoming space focused on maintaining independence, enhancing well-being, and connecting the community.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston
Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is the UK’s only national charity providing peer support to bereaved parents, adult siblings and grandparents who have experienced the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.
Location: National
Location: National