Grief and loss affect everyone differently. Whether you are dealing with a recent loss or seeking support years later, you are not alone. NHS Ayrshire & Arran is here to help connect you with the right resources during this challenging time.
What is Bereavement?
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone close to us. It affects every person in different ways — emotionally, physically, and mentally. There is no “right” way to grieve, and no set timeline for how long it should last.
Some common reactions to grief include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, shocked, or numb
- Experiencing sadness, anger, guilt, or loneliness
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Wanting to talk – or not talk – about the person who died
These reactions are natural, but they can also feel isolating. Knowing what to expect and where to find support can make a real difference.
Everyone’s Grief is Unique
You may feel like you’re coping well one day and struggling the next. This is completely normal. Grief can come in waves, and it’s okay to seek help at any point — whether it’s weeks, months, or even years after a loss.
What is Demystifying Death Week?
Demystifying Death Week is an annual campaign across Scotland that encourages people to talk more openly about death, dying, and bereavement. It also helps individuals and communities understand where they can find help.
Find out more by visiting: Demystifying Death Week | Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief
Local Support Services in Ayrshire & Arran
If you’re struggling or just need someone to talk to, there are services available to listen and help.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Spiritual Care Team
If you have recently lost a loved then our spiritual care team are available to support and advise you during this difficult and painful time. Our team is committed to offering an empathic presence to patients, staff, relatives and carers of all faiths and none.
Our sanctuary spaces at University Hospital Ayr, University Hospital Crosshouse and Woodland View are open at all times should you require a quiet space for reflection or prayer.
Contact the Spiritual Care Team on 01563825988
Ayrshire Hospice Bereavement Services
Support for adults and children coping with the death of a loved one. You don’t need to have received hospice care to access our support. The services of our Counselling and Bereavement Support Team are available to all, no matter your age, without requiring a referral of a healthcare professional. You can access these services by completing a self-referral form on the Ayrshire Hospice website.
Counselling and bereavement support – Ayrshire Hospice
No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire
A registered not for profit organisation who offer a variety of support including bereavement groups, emotional support and companionship.
Services | No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire
Ayrshire Baby Loss Support
Offering support to anyone affected by the loss of a baby at any stage
Support & Services | Ayrshire Baby Loss Support
National Resources
Cruse Scotland
Cruse Scotland has been supporting bereaved adults, children and young people across Scotland for over 60 years. Together with our 200-strong team of compassionate, committed and caring volunteers, we offer hope when the future seems empty.
Marie Curie Bereavement Support
Marie Curie offers, free, confidential support from trained bereavement volunteers.
Bereavement support | Grief support | Marie Curie
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Contact the Samaritans on 116 123
How we can help | How Samaritans can help you | Samaritans
The Compassionate Friends (TCF)
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is the UK’s only national charity providing peer support to bereaved parents, adult siblings and grandparents who have experienced the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
Mind
Offers resources and support for those who are bereaved.
Support and services | Find help for bereavement | Mind – Mind
Maggie’s
Offers support for those affected by someone they know and care about dies from cancer.
Bereavement support | Maggie’s
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs
If you have lost someone who used alcohol or drugs, our bereavement service is here to support you. We can give listening support and information. We also can put you in touch with an accredited counsellor who is local to you. Our service is free and is available across Scotland.
Counselling Support for Bereaved Families – SFAD
Muslim Bereavement Support Service
Guidance from an Islamic perspective on the death and bereavement process with advice on prayers and other religious aspects.
Muslim Bereavement Support Service