Support a bereaved friend
When someone dies, it makes a lasting impact, and everyone copes with grief differently.
Knowing how to support someone who’s experienced bereavement can be hard, but it is possible.
What you can do and say to help
- If you can’t find the right words, it’s okay to say you don’t know what to say; acknowledging their loss can help.
- Don’t feel the need to ‘make something better’ or provide distractions. Being there and listening is enough.
- Don’t pressure your friend into ‘being happy again’. Let them feel what they want to feel in the moment.
Being there as a friend is important, but you’re not responsible for how they feel, making things better or their mental health. You must look after yourself, too.
What support is available
The following resources can help you and your friend navigate their bereavement:
- Contact Child Bereavement UK for guidance on bereavement or coping with a loved one’s terminal illness.
- Connect your friend with other bereaved students through the Student Grief Network. Attend free online meetings (twice a month). Learn about student experiences in articles, blogs, podcasts and videos.
- Visit Student Space for short videos on dealing with grief and loss.
- Search Leeds Bereavement Forum’s directory to find the best support for your friend. It lists charities supporting those bereaved because of suicide, accident or health-related issues.
- Talk about their loss with Let’s Talk About Loss, a safe place for 18-35-year-olds.
What to do if your friend is in crisis or serious distress
Call 999
If you think your friend’s life is at immediate risk, call 999.
Contact Leeds Crisis Team
If your friend has shared suicidal thoughts and says they plan to act on them.
Call Leeds Crisis Team on 0300 3001485, available 24 hours a day.
Contact the Duty Pathway Team
If your friend has shared suicidal thoughts but has no immediate plan to act on them.
Email the University’s Duty Pathway team at swc@leeds.ac.uk. They can offer support.