Children’s Bereavement charity Grief Encounter has launched a brand-new free helpline providing instant, confidential advice and support for bereaved children and young people.

The Grieftalk helpline is available on the phone, via online chat and email. Statistics from Grief Encounter show that 67% of bereaved children do not open up about their fears and anxieties at home and 27% do not seek advice or help from friends, peers or teachers.

Even without a helpline in place, Grief Encounter receives 2000 call annually, equating to less than 4% of the 44000 children bereaved every year in the UK.

The charity hopes the dedicated helpline, which is available to anyone who needs help, including adults, means it will be able to help significantly more young people and their families.

HOW CAN I SPEAK TO GRIEFTALK?

You can speak to a Grieftalk counsellor in various ways

On the phone by ringing 0808 802 0111(free from mobiles and landlines)

Online chat at Grief Encounter

By email on grieftalk@griefencounter.org.uk

It is available Monday to Friday 9.00am – 9.00pm and you can speak to Grieftalk as little or as often as you like.

The service is confidential,you don’t have to give your name or any other details if you don’t want to.