In this 6 minute video Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne explains why it is important to include people with learning disabilities in normal day to day conversations about death and dying. She gives several examples of how to do this in a straightforward way.
The best words to talk about dying with people with learning disabilities are clear, simple and unambiguous words - like 'dead' and 'died'. Using these words avoids confusion and misunderstandings about what has happened to someone.
Bereavement support for all ages including children.
Bereavement Support available with a bereavement counsellor online: https://www.ataloss.org/live-chat
Bereavement Advice Centre provides practical help when you need it most. They support and advise people on what they need to do after a death.
T. 020 8427 5720
Trained volunteers to support adults and children in the London Boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon.
Offer visits, drop in sessions and school support.
Self referrals accepted as well as referrals from healthcare professionals, the local authority, IAPT/ CAMHS.
CRUSE Bereavement care helps people through bereavement with support, information and campaigning.
Harlington Hospice Bereavement Service offers counselling to any adults who have experienced a bereavement.
T. 020 8951 3881
Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service has counsellors that understand the specific issues raised by bereavement within a Jewish context. This service is sensitive, aware and knowledgeable about social, cultural and religious needs.
The Learning Disability Network London is a charity which supports learning disabled adults and children and their families across London.
T. 020 3468 7333
W. https://www.ataloss.org/faqs/muslim-bereavement-support-service
The Muslim Bereavement Support Service supports Muslim women who are facing bereavement and/or are bereaved. They will speak with Muslim men and signpost them to appropriate bereavement support.
Samaritans provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week advice line.
Online expert information provides ways to deal with the practical and emotional issues after someone has died.
The online Bereavement Community is a place to share experiences, get things off your chest and chat to people who understand.
Grief Guide is a safe space, free from other distractions where you can find self-help tools and information to help you cope with grief.
Talk to a qualified counsellor by video, up to 6 online sessions, at times that suit you speak from the comfort of your own home.
T. 0300 111 5065
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide are a national charity providing dedicated support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide. The volunteers come from all walks of life but nearly all have been touched by suicide themselves, this experience enables them to connect with others.
W. https://www.thebereavementjourney.org/national-online-course
The Bereavement Journey runs an online course three times per year for anyone in the UK who isn’t able to access an in-person course near to where they live, or who would prefer an online course.
The Good Grief Trust helps all those affected by grief in the UK and brings bereavement services together, to ensure that everyone receives the tailored support they need to move forward with their lives.
The trust is run by the bereaved, for the bereaved and aim to normalise grief and raise awareness of the impact of grief on a national platform.
Widowed and young (WAY) is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender, race and religion.
Young lives vs Cancer support young people under 25 with cancer, and their families, to get the help they need during their cancer treatment and beyond, including bereaved families living with emotional distress.
We are continuously updating this content and welcome feedback and suggestions