Following the tragic house fire in Brimscombe, the NHS in Gloucestershire is reminding anyone who may be affected of support services available in the county.
Dealing with death and bereavement can feel extremely difficult and deeply upsetting, even more so when it involves the sudden death of a child, but there are a number of ways to access help and support should you or a loved one need it.
Mental health support
NHS Talking Therapies provides support for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. You can refer yourself by calling 0800 073 2200 or visiting Talking Therapies > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust.
If you need urgent support with your mental health call NHS 111 and select option 2.
Help for parents
Winston’s Wish are a charity, based in Gloucestershire, who offer bereavement support to children. They have practical tips for parents, including around how to talk to children following a sudden or traumatic death: https://winstonswish.org/supporting-children-after-a-traumatic-death/
Help for young people
Let’s Talk Well (formerly TiC+) are a Gloucestershire based charity who offer support to children and young people aged nine to 25, as well as parents and carers. This includes counselling and TalkWellChat – a live messaging service for young people to talk about anything which might be troubling them: https://www.letstalkwell.org.uk/
Help with grief
Cruse Bereavement Support are a charity aimed at supporting people through bereavement via a number of support services include a helpline and practical information: https://www.cruse.org.uk/