Bereavement Support

Resources and support for you and your family

At N.C. Children’s Hospital, we recognize that the loss of a child is an unimaginable event. You may feel lost or not know where to turn for help with your grief. Our team is here to provide personalized bereavement support and resources for families throughout the grief process.

What is grief support?

Grief is the feeling you get when you lose something or someone important. Everyone feels grief in their own way, because every loss is different. We recognize your grief, and we understand that the tools helpful for your grief are unique to you and those you love.

For some people, understanding what to expect in grief is helpful. For others, book recommendations, guidance on talking with children or connections to local support groups may be most meaningful.

Our team is here to support you through the grief process. We invite you to explore our resource sections to find the options that best meet your needs. For additional support, we invite you to reach out to us.

Grief and bereavement resources

Local support organizations

Resources for Caregivers and Children Dealing with a Critical Illness
Resources for Caregivers and Children When a Loved One Has Died
Grief Care for Adults and Children (Transitions Life Care)
Victim Compensation Program (NC Department of Public Safety)

UNC events

Seasons to Remember is an annual gathering for families treated at N.C. Children’s Hospital who have lost a child. It is hosted in the spring or early summer every year.

We understand that the impact of losing a child is profound. This event is designed to offer support, connection and reflection through your grief. Our team helps create a safe place where you can remember your child and find support with other families who have had a similar loss.

SibsCARE at UNC helps siblings learn about their grief-related emotions and can help adults in their lives learn how to better support them. SibsCARE offers:

One-to-one support with our skilled bereavement specialist
In-person events and outings designed to support self-expression and community
Virtual groups to empower effective coping strategies
Parent/caregiver consultation to give you the tools to support grief in everyday life

To learn more about SibsCARE, you can email us at uncchildrenssiblings@unchealth.unc.edu or call us at 984-974-6030.

National resources

Courageous Parents Network (guides, blogs and videos)
What’s Your Grief: A Grief Website for the Rest of Us
The Compassionate Friends (nonprofit organization for grief support)
Return to Zero: HOPE (support group for bereaved parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss)
Dougy Center (grief support for parents and caregivers)

Get grief support

If you have thoughts of self-harm, substance misuse or suicide, dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.

Get grief support

Our team is here to support you through the grief process. We invite you to reach out to us via our online form.