Sibling Support launches helpline with Child Bereavement UK

Sibling Support, the UK’s only sibling specific bereavement charity, has announced the launch of a new helpline that will be supported by Child Bereavement UK. 

This launch will provide confidential support, information and guidance to young people in the country up to the age of 25 whose brother or sister has died, their families, carers and others who support them. 

The helpline – 0800 102 6175 – will be made available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. 

It will be managed by Child Bereavement UK’s bereavement support practitioners. 

Outside of those times, messages can be left on a voicemail and a bereavement support practitioner will return the call as soon as possible on the next working day.

The charity supports children and young people when someone close to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.

Callum Fairhurst, founder of Sibling Support, said: “I know all too well how the death of a sibling can impact young people. We’re delighted to be joining forces with the fantastic team at CBUK to offer this new, first of a kind, sibling helpline. The service will offer young people, their families and those that work with them specialist advice and support.”

Maninder Hayre, director of services and partnerships for Child Bereavement UK, added: “The death of a sister or brother can have a massive impact on siblings, who often say they are the ‘forgotten grievers’. 

“We’re pleased to offer the resources of our helpline to Sibling Support, helping the charity in its important mission to ensure young people get the support they need when their sibling dies.”