When someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly, you might hear it called a cardiac arrest, a heart attack, sudden cardiac death, or SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome).
Dealing with the death of a loved one is one of the hardest things any of us will have to face. If someone close to you dies unexpectedly, it’s natural to ask why and how it could have happened, particularly if they were young or seemed perfectly healthy.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK was set up to provide peer support for survivors and others affected by the survivors cardiac arrest and unfortunately are not equipped or trained to deal with those bereaved by an SCA.
If you are dealing with bereavement and feel that you need support then we would kindly suggest that you contact one of the following organisations which are more geared to meeting your needs.
The Chain of Survival
If you were involved in or witnessed a resuscitation attempt aka the Chain of Survival, irrespective of the outcome, you may find it beneficial to join our Facebook peer support group – Chain of Survival UK, and for those that are outside of the UK – Chain of Survival.
Organisations
British Heart Foundation – UK’s primary heart charity with resources dedicated to helping those dealing with a bereavement of a cardiac nature. In addition to their online resources, they have a Heart Helpline which is available Monday-Friday 9-5 pm.
SADS UK – Providing information and supporting individuals and families affected by cardiac conditions or sudden cardiac death is a very important part of the work of this charity.
The Compassionate Friends – They offer many different kinds of support for bereaved families. Whatever the cause of your loss, wherever you are in the UK, and whatever your circumstances. They also have a helpline which is open Monday-Friday 9.30 – 5 pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when they’re open until 8 pm.
Cruse Bereavement Care – Is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
Bereavement UK – Started by bereavement counsellor Alex James, they aim to provide you with bereavement support and information when you need it- 24 hours a day 365 days a year, the site is available at your fingertips. A free ebook on bereavement is also available.
Bereavement UK Facebook Group & Forum – A peer to peer support group and forum for anyone experiencing a bereavement.
At a Loss – Aims to ensure that every bereaved person in the UK can find the support that they need.
Child Bereavement
Child Bereavement UK – Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Winston’s Wish – As the first charity to establish child bereavement support services in the UK, they continue to lead the way in providing specialist child bereavement support services across the UK, including in-depth therapeutic help in individual, group and residential settings.
Hope Again – Is Cruse Bereavement Care’s website for young people. Cruse is a national charity that provides support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone close to them dies.
Bereavement UK Loss of a Child – Facebook support group