One of the most important things you can do to help yourself with losing someone is to talk. Your family and close friends will cope with their grief in their own, personal way and may not fully understand how you are feeling, and sometimes it's easier to talk to a complete stranger.

There are counsellors who specialise in helping people when someone has died. A counsellor is not a doctor or psychiatrist. They will not analyse you and it is perfectly OK to say that you need to see one. Counsellors are people who are trained to listen and they will help you to find your own way to deal with your feelings.

If you are under 16 you should talk to your parents if you want to see a counsellor. Try at school, visit your GP or contact the organisations listed below to find a counsellor. Your counsellor should, ideally, be trained specifically to help people when someone has died.

Child Bereavement Trust
Help for children and young people who have suffered a bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care Youth Line
For young people aged between 12 and 18, with telephone helpline and counselling services

Winston's Family Wish Line
This site is for young people who have lost someone close, includes a helpline number

Childline
Free national helpline for children and young people in need of help or counselling Telephone 0800 11 11

Compassionate Friends
Help and support for people who have suffered the death of a family member

Riprap
Helping you to cope with a parent who has cancer or has died of cancer

Youth Access
Provides young people with access to a counsellor nearest them (UK-wide)
Telephone 020 8772 9900 (Mon to Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm)

The Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to talk to Telephone 08457 909090

Click here for further links for teenagers