Your bereavement is unique to you

Talk to someone who is not emotionally involved but is there to listen and care

Yahrzeit candle burning with blurred star of David in background

Counselling for children

Children experience the same feelings of pain, sadness, anxiety, anger and guilt as adults after the loss of a significant person in their lives.

young girl responds to a female counsellor

Counselling groups

Being part of a group with others who have shared shared similar experiences can be very helpful following a bereavement.

Counsellor chairing a group session

During the darkest times…

…JBCS brings light, but we can only do this through your generous support. Please donate today.

Family seated on bench the father is faded out as if he is no longer there but still present.

The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service (JBCS) founded 45 years ago, is a registered charity and member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

Two women chatting intently

People facing bereavement share their experiences and talk about how JBCS helped them through difficult times Click here to play the video

Man sitting on bench, a faded, ghostly image of his friend seated next to him

Our counsellors understand the specific issues raised by bereavement within a Jewish context. A Jewish service can be sensitive, aware and knowledgeable about social, cultural and religious needs.

  • Have comprehensive training and knowledge on the issues of grief and loss.
  • Have experience in helping people affected by loss, including suicide, disaster, holocaust issues, baby-loss, miscarriage, stillbirth and the pandemic.
  • See adults and children individually, families, couples and groups.
  • Have extended the service to supporting people all around the UK and beyond.
  • See people at all stages of life, from childhood to old age.
  • See people from the entire spectrum of Jewish practice and observance.

OUR CURRENT APPEAL

…JBCS brings light. Our team of trained counsellors offer a safe, compassionate space to talk, reflect, and find a way to carry both loss and love together. But we can only continue to offer this through your generous support. Please donate today.

Women talking intently in counselling session

“Yes, it really helped to have someone listen to me, not judging or criticising – knowing that I could speak in confidence…I was told that I could always phone again if things got bad and I needed help, I didn’t feel like I was being abandoned”

“Counselling helped me understand what happens and what is normal when grieving, specifically after the loss of a child. I felt supported re all the pain I was going through”

“I am most grateful to JBCS for providing this wonderful service. I did not want to speak to anyone about the death of my husband and it took me many years to decide to try counselling. I am so glad I did”

“You gave me something no one else did: A safe space I could share my feelings, no matter how crazy without judgement. You helped me heal parts I did not know were injured”

“She held up a mirror to key strengths and helped me focus on practical steps to keep hope alive.”

“I was totally lost after the death of my mother. My counsellor helped me step by step to get my life back in order and help me to move in a positive direction. I can’t thank JBCS enough”

“I think most men believe themselves able to handle emotion. I now realise the huge value of your service and in my contact with people in grief, I now suggest counselling through JBCS. My sincere thanks to my counsellor and your organisation”

“My counsellor was helpful, supporting and knowledgeable. She suggested certain goals which were do-able and never pushed me to do more than I was comfortable with”

“I am most grateful to JBCS for providing this wonderful service. I did not want to speak to anyone about the death of my husband and it took me many years to decide to try counselling. I am so glad I did”

“Counselling helped me understand what happens and what is normal when grieving, specifically after the loss of a child. I felt supported re all the pain I was going through”

“Yes, it really helped to have someone listen to me, not judging or criticising – knowing that I could speak in confidence…I was told that I could always phone again if things got bad and I needed help, I didn’t feel like I was being abandoned”