Bereavement Service
The Bereavement Team provides compassionate and professional support to members of the public and staff experiencing grief following the death of a relative, friend, or colleague. Grief can affect emotional wellbeing, concentration, relationships, and physical health, and responses may vary widely from person to person. Support is available regardless of the cause of death and at any stage of bereavement.
Managers play a key role in recognising when staff may be struggling and in facilitating timely access to appropriate support.
Supporting Staff Following a Death
All bereavements can have a significant impact on individuals and teams. Staff may experience shock, sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, or delayed reactions, and these may fluctuate over time. Creating a workplace culture that acknowledges grief, allows time and space for conversations, and promotes psychological safety is essential in supporting recovery and wellbeing.
Support may include:
- Compassionate and flexible management approaches
- Open and respectful communication
- Signposting to appropriate wellbeing and support services
- Supporting staff to access bereavement support where required
Suicide and Sudden Death
Every death by suicide is a tragedy. It is estimated that around 135 people are affected by each suicide, highlighting the far‑reaching impact on families, friends, colleagues, communities, and services.
The suspected suicide of a colleague can be particularly distressing and may affect staff wellbeing, team dynamics, and organisational culture. Such circumstances require a thoughtful, sensitive, and structured response.
A digital guidance document has been developed to support managers in leading and supporting teams following the suspected suicide of a colleague. Developed by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in suicide prevention and staff wellbeing, it provides practical guidance on:
- Responding sensitively to staff reactions
- Communicating appropriately following a death
- Supporting staff affected by trauma or complicated grief
- Reducing the risk of further harm through effective postvention
- Guidance for Managers following suspected suicide of an employee can be accessed here
Effective Postvention and Staff Support
Postvention—the support provided following a death, particularly suicide—is critical in supporting individual recovery and maintaining a healthy workplace culture. Timely, compassionate, and coordinated support helps staff process grief, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes resilience within teams.
Managers should remain mindful that grief does not follow a linear timeline and that some staff may require additional support weeks or months after a loss.
Referrals to the Bereavement Service
Managers can contact the Bereavement Team for staff who may benefit from additional support following a bereavement. The team can provide emotional support, guidance, and advice, as well as signposting to other services where appropriate.
Bereavement Team Availability
- Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
- Friday: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Contact Details
For general enquiries, please contact the Bereavement Team:
- Telephone: 028 9615 50222
- Please leave a voicemail including your name, contact number, and a brief message.
- Calls will be returned within one working day.
- Email: bereavementreferral@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Information on additional local support services within the Belfast Trust locality is also included in the guidance document to ensure staff can access timely help when needed.
Quiet areas on BHSCT site locations:
- RVH – Main Foyer
- RVH – Old Victorian Corridor
- BCH – A Floor
- BCH CC – Level 2
- MIH – Dempsey Building
- MPH – Worship Centre
Useful Resources
- Grief and Bereavement an Overview for Trust Staff PDF
- Bereaved NI
- Adult Bereavement – Bereaved NI
- 2025_11_07_V6_Special leave Policy.docx