Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11th – 17th May 2026) focuses on the theme of “Action”, recognising that real change comes when we take action to boost mental health and build mentally healthy communities.
Bereavement and grief contribute significantly to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Report The psychological burden of bereavement in the general population of UK and Ireland states:
“The loss of a loved one is a recognized risk factor for the onset or worsening of a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and a range of distressing somatic symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, and dizziness.”
So how does the National Bereavement Service make a real difference, helping to prevent bereavement and grief from becoming long-term mental health concerns? Let’s take a look at some of our case studies from real clients.
Going the extra mile to help trace a lost relative
Our client, D, contacted the NBS with one of our more unique requests. D’s father had always wanted to find out what had happened to his sister, who had disappeared in the 1950s. Following his father’s death, D wanted to pick up the search to honour his father, and asked the NBS whether we were able to assist.
Our team got in touch with a local researcher, a mutual contact who was able to make some other recommendations of organisations who may be able to help. We then compiled a document format to gather together further information, which our client is able to use in other ongoing searches.
This was a really unique request that helped D to honour his father’s final wishes. D sent us these kind comments:
“Thank you, Wendy. That really is incredible work that you’ve done. I’ll have to go through it all in detail. I’m actually a bit overwhelmed with gratitude that you’d go to that trouble. I certainly got on to the right person when I called NBS.
I honestly had no expectations of help, but thought I should tick it off anyway. This is a search to find out what happened to Betty to honour my father’s wishes. I was feeling that he’d done everything and there wasn’t much point continuing but you’ve certainly rekindled my pursuit. I can’t thank you enough and will certainly keep no in touch. Thanks and best wishes.”
Probate support that helped our client to handle death administration
Death administration can be overwhelming, with many threads to pull together in order to close and distribute an estate. When a client is already managing their own grief following their bereavement, the National Bereavement Service delivers practical guidance and help that focuses on the steps to be taken. No jargon or confusing advice, just clear signposting and support that’s free to access.
Our client, P, contacted us for help with probate and Inheritance Tax processes in order to manage and close the estate of his relative. P wanted to manage the probate application and tax return himself, but needed some clear-cut guidance on the steps to take in order to ensure the estate was accurately managed.
P’s NBS professional adviser shared a simple step-by-step guide to completing the Inheritance Tax return form and applying for probate online. P commented later:
“I just wanted to say thanks again for the links below, they were very useful. I did the probate application online and probate was granted within 3 weeks.”
Helping clients to manage complex grief
Bereavement and grief is different for everyone. In recent months, the NBS has helped a number of clients deal with particularly complex feelings and emotions relating to recent bereavements of family members, supporting their mental health during a challenging time.
C contacted us for support and guidance following the death of her father, with whom she had a difficult and complicated relationship. Our professional bereavement adviser was able to provide reassurance and guidance, as well as signposting to additional services where our client is able to access deeper-level support.
“I really appreciated your deep listening. I would like you to know that our conversation really helped me to work through some of the top layer that had been building up inside me.”
K also got in touch, seeking guidance to help her son, and his school, manage grief following the death of his much-loved grandfather. Our professional adviser was able to reassure K’s son about his emotions and feelings, and supplied K with recommendations for child bereavement support services and resources, together with help in finding a bereavement counsellor.
“Thank you so so much. I have already spoken to the school and passed this info on and they are being very supportive and grateful for the extra resources.”
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Practical bereavement support from the National Bereavement Service
The National Bereavement Service supports anyone who has experienced a bereavement, including sudden or traumatic bereavement, with practical and emotional information and advice from professional bereavement advisors with real, lived experience.
We help you to comply with legal requirements, signpost you to providers such as funeral directors and solicitors, and provide a listening ear that helps you through a very difficult time.
For personal, confidential, and practical help following a bereavement, or for advice when planning your future, call the NBS on 0800 0246 121 or visit www.thenbs.org
