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How can I find out more?

You can speak to the Spiritual Care Team or the Bereavement Coordinator at your local hospital. You can find contact details for hospitals in the phone book or by calling the NHS inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88.

Follow the links below for:

You may find the following information helpful:

  • What to do after a death in Scotland - Information about all the legal matters, including registering a death and dealing with wills.
    You can get this information from the Scottish Government website (www.scotland.gov.uk) or you can ask the registrar for a copy.
  • Talking about bereavement - A leaflet that helps you understand the thoughts and feelings of grief.
    You can get this from the NHS Health Scotland website.
    Visit www.healthscotland.com or ask someone at the local hospital for a copy.
  • We’re sorry to hear… - Useful information and advice about looking after yourself following a death.
    You can get this from Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland.
    Visit www.crusescotland.org.uk or phone 01738 444 178 and ask for a copy.
  • Living through grief - Coping with the thoughts and feelings of grief over the weeks and months following a death.
    You can get this from Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland.
    Visit www.crusescotland.org.uk or phone 01738 444 178 and ask for a copy.

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You can get emotional support from:

  • Breathing Space (Scotland) - A free, confidential and anonymous phone-line service for anyone who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and needs someone to talk to.
    Phone 0800 83 85 87 (Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 2am and from Friday 6pm through to Monday 6am)
    Visit www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
  • ChildLine - A free and confidential helpline for all children and young people in the UK. You can call, email or write to ChildLine for help and advice about anything.
    Freepost 1111, Glasgow G1 1BR
    Freephone number 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
    Email scotland@childline.org.uk
    Website www.childline.org.uk  (ChildLine offers a counselling service online. Log on to the website to speak to a counsellor.)
  • Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland - Information and support for people who have been bereaved.
    To find out about one-to-one support in your area, phone 0845 600 22 27.
    To get copies of leaflets or for more information phone 01738 444 178, email info@crusescotland.org.uk or look on the internet (www.crusescotland.org.uk).
    • Bereaved relatives or friends living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can contact Cruse Bereavement Care UK.
      Phone 0844 477 9400
      Email helpline@cruse.org.uk
      Website www.cruse.org.uk
    • Bereaved children and young people can phone 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm) or look on the internet (www.rd4u.org.uk).
  • Samaritans - A confidential emotional support service for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
    Phone 08457 90 90 90* (24 hours a day)
    Visit www.samaritans.org.uk
    *Please visit the website for the latest call charges
  • The Compassionate Friends - Support for bereaved parents and their families.
    Phone 0845 123 2304 (every day from 10am to 4pm and from 7 to 10pm)
    Visit www.tcf.org.uk
  • Winston’s Wish - Support for bereaved children and for people who are concerned about them.
    Phone 08452 03 04 05 (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm)
    Visit www.winstonswish.org.uk

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You can get general advice and information from:

  • Citizens Advice Scotland - Free, confidential, impartial and independent advice about almost anything, including NHS services and your rights.
    To find your nearest branch, look in your phone book or on Citizens Advice Scotland’s website (www.cas.org.uk).
  • NHS inform - Scotland's national health information service.
    Free phone 0800 22 44 88 (every day between 8am and 10pm)
    Visit www.nhsinform.co.uk
  • The Natural Death Centre - Free support and information about death and funerals, including home burial, family-organised and environmentally friendly funerals.
    Phone 01962 712 690
    Visit www.naturaldeath.org.uk

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Page last edited: 23 June 2011

Children's feelingsProduction information