Bereavement support

We offer bereavement support to families following the death of their child.

We offer bereavement support to families, for up to two years, following the death of their child. We do this via a named bereavement support worker, and through groups and events for bereaved , parents, siblings and families.

Our support is individualised and will involve us being there to listen and to provide emotional and practical support. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and our team are here to support families however they are feeling.

Bereavement support is available to any family, bereaved of a child, within our catchment area. It can be provided through individual support, as a couple and via support groups. If the level of mental health support required is more than we can offer, we will work with you and your GP to refer you to appropriate services.

What we can offer

Bereavement support groups

Forget Me Not group – For parent(s) in their first year of bereavement. They meet every month, for six months, on a Saturday morning for two hours. The aim of the group is to provide a safe space for parents to express the impact of their loss, understand a little about grief theory, and find companionship and support with others.

Butterfly group – For parent(s) in the second year of their bereavement. The group meets bi-monthly, for a year, on a Saturday morning for two hours. The aim of this group is to provide a safe space for parents to continue to express the impact of their loss, to reflect on their continued experiences of living whilst being bereaved and to find companionship with others.

Take part in an event in memory of a loved one

Referral for bereavement support

Bereavement support is available to families, within our Oxfordshire catchment area, or who died in our local hospitals, as long as that family, bereaved of a child, are not currently accessing support elsewhere.

Referral form

In-Memory events

Join us at a memorial event – Come together with other families to celebrate your child’s memory through events such as our springtime Memory Walk, or perhaps take on a personal challenge.

Find out more about our events

Remembrance and Celebration Event

Every year we hold a Remembrance and Celebration Event at Helen & Douglas House for the bereaved families we support. It’s an opportunity to come together with staff and other families. The event takes place in September.

Watch - Memories from the 2023 Remembrance and Celebration Event

Useful Resources

In the spirit of offering support and understanding, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to you and your family during this difficult times. Please follow the link below where we share some guidance and suggestions for occasions, such as during the festive season, that may help you and your family. More to come soon.

Find out more

Remember your child

Create a free Online Memory Box – Post photos, songs and videos, leave messages and share stories in memory of your child. Share the link to your Online Memory Box to friends and family so that they can remember your child too, either on special occasions or just when they’re thinking about them.

Find out more about Memory Boxes