Help and resources if you've been bereaved

Experiencing a bereavement before you came to Leeds or during your studies can have an impact on your emotional wellbeing as well as your academic studies. 

It can be physically exhausting as well as emotionally draining. This can be the case if the person who has died was a family member, someone very close, in your circle of friends or someone you knew as part of your social network, or someone you knew in your community. 

Everyone responds differently and that is normal. Grief can also change over time, and how you feel will shift in the days, weeks, months and even years after a loss.  You may go through different periods of sadness, numbness, anger, relief, hopefulness and hopelessness, to name just a few examples.  You may move back and forth in and out of these emotions and that is all normal.   You may also find that your grief and emotional wellbeing is heightened at key times such as anniversaries, assessments or holiday periods.   

Here are some resources that may help 

  • Child Bereavement UK offer guidance and support for anyone who have experienced a bereavement or are coping with someone they know who has a terminal illness.  This may be the loss of a parent, sibling or a friend. Their resources include ‘when you are bereaved at University’ and direct support. 

  • The Student Grief Network helps to connect students who have experienced a bereavement.  They also have free online meetings twice a month as well as articles, blogs, podcasts and videos sharing student experiences 

  • Student Space has some support and short videos on Grief and Loss that may be helpful. 

  • Finding support that is right for you may depend on how the person died.  There are many different charities in Leeds and across the UK that can help with different bereavement needs, including deaths that occurred by suicide, accident or health related.  Leeds Bereavement Forum has a directory that may be helpful to find what you need 

  • Lets talk about loss is a safe place for 18-35 year olds to talk about their loss. 

Further information is available about support for you including your academic studies on How the University can help if you have been bereaved pages.