To lose a child is the most devastating experience any parent has to face.  In the UK alone, thousands of children under 19 die each year.  Over 13,000 young adults in their twenties and thirties also die, and grief is no less intense for the surviving parents of an adult child. (For up to date figures see www.statistics.gov.uk)

The effect of the death of a child upon all members of the family may be far reaching and lifelong, with many others beyond the immediate family also deeply affected.

A caller to the Helpline may be anyone affected by a child’s death, from pre-birth to the death of an adult child, however recently or long ago, and whatever the circumstances (stillbirth, illness, accident, murder, suicide……).  For a parent, their son or daughter will always be their child, irrespective of age.  We receive calls and support parents whose child was of any age when they died.

The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to anyone affected by the death of a child.  Callers to the Helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or involved professionals.

We offer a confidential, safe environment within which a caller can talk openly about the child’s life and death.  Callers are given the opportunity to freely express their worries and emotions.

We provide support not only at times of crisis but also for the ongoing needs of callers over their lifetime.

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What We Do

First and foremost we listen.  Often, in the first weeks and months following their son or daughter’s death, many bereaved parents feel they cannot continue to burden others.  They find it very beneficial to talk to someone who is impartial, has some understanding of their day to day struggle, and recognises their need to retell the story of their child’s death even though others may appear to want them to “get over it ” and return to normal.

The circumstances surrounding the death of a child are many and varied, and the child may be of any age.  Every story is unique.  Whatever the particular situation, the common link between caller and volunteer is the feelings that surround the separation of parent and child.  We know we cannot take away their pain.  We do not try to tell people what to do or to offer solutions.

What we are able to do is be alongside our callers, lessening their sense of isolation and encouraging them to openly express their thoughts, whatever they may be.  People can contact our Helpline whenever they need to talk.

For a period of time we are privileged to enter someone else’s world.  We believe that what we have learnt, and what we continue to learn enables us to offer worthwhile support.

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Who Can Call

Anyone who has been affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago.  Because for a parent their son or daughter will always be their child, we also hear from, and support, parents whose 30, 40, 50 year old has died.

Whilst most calls are from parents, we do hear from many other family members – aunts, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends - and also teachers, emergency services staff and healthcare professionals.

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