Where can I find support for dealing with grief?

Advice and Information - 13 September 2022

You may be experiencing feelings of grief & loss following the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We have included some advice and information on grief and where you can find support.
Salford media city

Where can you go for support?

Grief is a natural response to loss that many people will cope with through support from family and friends. However, if you want to talk to someone else about your grief, there are services, organisations and community groups that can help you.

NHS support

If you need support, you can use NHS talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These are free and you can refer yourself directly.

Find talking therapies near you 

The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for someone living in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. On their website you can find out about support in your area and nationally, as well as advice for practical issues that losing a loved one may bring.

Their number is 0161 983 0902 if you wish to talk to someone to help find the right support for you.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays)

Email: salccg.gm.bs@nhs.net

If you need to speak with someone at a weekend about a bereavement, please call NHS Bereavement Helpline on 0800 2600 400, available 8am to 8pm every day.

When should you see your GP about your mental health?

You should go to the doctor if:

  • You’re struggling to cope with stress, anxiety or a low mood
  • You’ve had a low mood for more than 2 weeks
  • Things you’re trying yourself are not helping
  • You would prefer to get a referral to a service from a GP

Where to go for further help or advice with your mental health

Online self-help

www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH)

24/7 Service User and Carer Helpline

0800 953 0285 (for Bolton, Salford, Trafford and Manchester residents)

0800 051 3253 (for Wigan residents)

Mental health support by text message

You can text "SHOUT" to 85258 for free from all major UK mobile networks. You'll then be connected to a volunteer for an anonymous conversation by text message.  This is not an NHS service. This free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging mental health support service is run by a charity called Mental Health Innovations.

Samaritans

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours

In an emergency

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
  • you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.

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