Suicide Bereavement Support: You Don't Have to Grieve Alone
Losing someone to suicide is a loss like no other. It is often described as "grief with the volume turned up" — shock, despair, anger, guilt and endless questions can arrive all at once, and can change from day to day.

However you are feeling, your grief is valid, and you are not alone. Whatever your relationship to the person who took their own life, support is there for you.
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"Most kids looked up to Jordan. He was fiercely loyal and would always stand up for the underdog, publicly confronting bullies or those who would mock others."
What might I feel after losing someone to suicide?
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. You may feel anger towards the person you've lost, or towards yourself or others for not preventing their death. You may feel numb, or overwhelmed, or both in the same hour.
Some survivors of bereavement by suicide experience suicidal thoughts themselves. If that's you, please visit our
I Need Help Now
page or
call Samaritans free on 116 123 — your life matters, and these feelings can ease with support.
Where can I find suicide bereavement support?
a free guide we highly recommend, created with people bereaved by suicide alongside the Support After Suicide Partnership and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance.
a national charity supporting adults bereaved by suicide, with around 150 volunteers across the UK, nearly all of whom have been touched by suicide themselves.
free, confidential one-to-one support after suicide for individuals, families and colleagues in many areas of England — check coverage in your area — and for serving Armed Forces personnel.
dedicated services for people bereaved by suicide, including a helpline on 0800 054 8400 (9am–5pm, Monday–Friday) and Sidekick, their free suicide-loss support app.
free, confidential bereavement support with a national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
support for bereaved parents and their families, including a leaflet for parents who have lost a child to suicide.
life-saving services and helpful articles on bereavement by suicide.
including free "At Your Side" guides for veterans, families and serving personnel bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.
What we believe
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Is there a suicide support group I can join?
Many people find enormous comfort in being alongside others who truly understand. Samaritans'
Facing the Future groups are free online peer support groups for people bereaved by suicide — weekly 90-minute sessions over six weeks, facilitated by trained volunteers.
SOBS and
The New Normal Charity also run free peer support groups across the UK and online.
How do I explain a loss by suicide to a child?
Many parents struggle with this conversation, but being honest — gently and in age-appropriate words — helps children process their loss and protects their trust.
- Child Bereavement UK (Winston's Wish). This information covers ideas for what to tell children and young people, how they might feel and respond, and what might help to support them.
- Alfie's Squad runs online and physical (Liverpool, Sheffield) support groups for children aged 7–17 bereaved by suicide.
- “Helpful Guide – When a Loved One Dies by Suicide” helps children aged 7-11 to manage the loss of a loved one to suicide. It offers a creative and supportive space for children to process their feelings.
Are there books that can help?
Yes — many bereaved people find comfort in others' stories. We recommend Daddy Blackbird by Caroline Roodhouse, Things Jon Didn't Know About by Sue Henderson and The Magical Wood by Mark Lemon (for young children).
Grief this heavy doesn't lift quickly, but with support, hope returns. Please reach out — you deserve it.
