Perhaps you have nobody who is easy to talk to, or your relationships with others may be suffering as a result of the death. It is quite common to find it is difficult to concentrate on work or every day tasks.

You may feel you are “just not getting over it”

It is at times like these that talking things through with someone else may help. Sometimes your family doctor, minister or priest can help. Perhaps there is a particular person in whom you can confide.

Shetland Bereavement Support Service volunteers are trained to listen and to help you to work through your grief. They have all undertaken a full training and are regularly supervised.

Shetland Bereavement Support Service is not aligned with any religious group or political party, and follows an equal opportunities policy.

Referrals to the service can be made by your doctor, minister etc with your permission or you can contact us direct. We send out an information pack including a form for completion and return. You may download the form here and send it direct to us or give us a phone and we will post it out to you.

Our contact details are:

Shetland Bereavement Support Service,Market House,14 Market Street, LERWICK ZE1 0JP

Telephone 01595 743933 (there is an answer machine for calls made after normal working hours)

Other areas of support and information are available on the following independent websites:

Bereaved Parents' Network provides support and encouragement to those looking for help for themselves, their family and friends

Breathing Space experienced advisors will listen and provide information and advice

Childhood Bereavement Network provide guidance and support to children and young people to enable them to manage the impact of death on their lives

Childhood Bereavement Trust supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved

The Compassionate Friends - Shadow of Suicide Group (SOS) support group of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents

The Compassionate Friends - Sibling Support support for bereaved siblings

Hands on Scotland gives tools to responsd helpfully to children and young people when they are troubled

Scottish Families Affected by Drugs support families across Scotland who are affected by drug misuse

The Way Foundation provides useful information and support to young widowed men and women

Winston's Wish provides support and guidance to bereaved children, young people and their families

Counselling Directory provides useful information and lists local counsellors practising in Shetland

Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief is working to make Scotland a place where there is more openness about death, dying and bereavement

Additionally, these helplines can offer support:

Lesbian and Gay Bereavement Project
020 7403 5969
(Tuesday and Thursday, 7.30 pm to 10 pm)
Support and advice include arranging funerals (including symnpathetic clergy and secular officials) and on-referral to counselling services

Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service
020 8457 9710
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
Answer machine when line not manned.