Bereavement Support for Carers
Losing someone you care for can be deeply emotional and overwhelming. We’re here to offer understanding, guidance and practical help, so you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Losing someone you care about is never easy. As a carer, you may experience an extra layer of grief, not only grieving the person you loved, but also adjusting to the end of your caring role. This change can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next.
It’s important to remember that everyone deals with loss in their own way, and there is no right or wrong way with grieve. We are here to support you through your loss and to think about life after caring, when you’re ready to do so. You can continue to receive support through our carer service for 3 months following your bereavement. After this time, our bereavement support service is here for you!
Bereaved carers can access our bereavement support for three years following the loss of their loved one.
What we offer
Tailored support to help you through your bereavement
Emotional support
Support groups, one-to-one support, counselling, self-care information, relaxation
Signposting
To other organisations and services who can help and support you
Practical advice
Legal and benefits advice, support to prepare to work, volunteering or study
Social events
Opportunities to meet with other bereaved carers socially
Finding connection after loss - a carers story!
After caring for their spouse for many years, one local carer found themselves feeling isolated and unsure of what the future might look like. Although initially hesitant about accessing support, they decided to try counselling through CoWL's Bereavement Service and soon realised the difference it could make.
Having a safe and supportive space to talk openly about their grief helped them begin to process their loss and rebuild their confidence. They later described the counselling as "exactly what I needed."
Following counselling, they continued to access CoWL's Bereavement Service by attending monthly peer support groups. Connecting with others who understood the unique experience of bereavement after caring helped them realise they were not alone. The friendships, understanding and encouragement they found became an important part of their journey.
They also took part in social activities and events organised through the service. What started as a small step towards getting out of the house gradually became meaningful friendships, new experiences and a renewed sense of belonging.
As they prepared to move on from the service, staff worked alongside them to ensure they could continue accessing the social connections and support networks they had built.
"I never thought I'd access counselling, but it was exactly what I needed. The support groups and activities helped me meet people who understood what I was going through and gave me the confidence to keep moving forward."
Today, they continue to enjoy the friendships and connections formed through the service, demonstrating how the right support at the right time can help people navigate grief, reconnect with their community and move forward with hope.
If you are struggling following a bereavement, CoWL's Bereavement Service offers counselling, peer support and opportunities to connect with others who understand.
You don't have to face grief alone.
Our Bereaved Carers Support Group
Meeting on the second last Friday of every month, from 10:30 until 12pm in Sycamore House
Our bereaved carers support group is a great way to talk through your grief with fellow carers going through the same thing. It’s a relaxed and friendly setting, open to all to come along.
Whether you prefer to just listen, or talk through any of your problems, you’re welcome along either way.
Other local bereavement supports
Livingston North Greif Cafe offers a safe and welcoming space to share memories and find comfort.