Grief is a very natural, normal and necessary reaction when someone close to us dies, but that doesn't mean it is any less painful.

Pilgrims can help you to recognise how grief might be affecting you, and to understand that although it can seem overwhelming at times, it is perfectly normal to feel this way when you are adjusting to living with a loss.

For more information about bereavement support available or to access any of our services, please call us on 01233 504 127 or email steppingstones@pilgrimshospices.org.

Other useful contacts

Support for children, young people, parents and families when a child grieves or when a child dies.

Helpline: 08000 288 840

www.childbereavementuk.org

National Helpline: 08088 081 677

www.cruse.org.uk

Local CRUSE contacts

Swale: 07999 385 877

East Kent: 07507 656 023

eastkentswale@cruse.org.uk

South Kent (Ashford, Dover and Shepway): 08448 009 104 / southkent@cruse.org.uk

Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people expecting or experiencing bereavement, and also for their families and friends.

www.londonfriend.org.uk

Weekend bereavement programmes for children, plus parent and carer group run in Kent.

Helpline: 03445 611 511

info@holg.org.uk

www.holdingonlettinggo.org.uk

Offers practical and emotional support and legal assistance.

08000 246 121

www.thenbs.org

For adults who have been bereaved by suicide.

Helpline: 03001 115 065

www.uksobs.org

An organisation for bereaved parents and families, offering support after the death of a child.

Helpline: 03451 232 304

www.tcf.org.uk

Support for widowed men and women under 50.

www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

Practical support and guidance to those supporting a bereaved child.

Helpline: 08088 020 021

www.winstonswish.org