Business Details
42 Years
experience
Bereavement Support Services in London
Established in 1984, the City and East London Bereavement Service (CELBS) has dedicated over four decades to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of grief. As a registered charity, we provide specialist counselling and community-based support to adults in Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas. Our team of trained professionals offers a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore their emotions at their own pace, whether their loss is recent or long-past. We deliver face-to-face, telephone, and online counselling sessions, alongside flexible early bereavement support and peer-led Grief Cafs. Our services are grounded in the understanding that grief is deeply personal, with no fixed timeline or 'correct' way to experience it.We operate transparently, funded through donations and charitable partnerships, ensuring accessibility to all who need our support. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our registration with the Charity Commission (CIO 1169797) and our adherence to professional counselling standards. We collaborate with healthcare professionals for referrals while maintaining direct access for self-referrals. Our approach combines empathy with expertise, recognising the physical, emotional, and practical challenges grief presents. Through continuous service development and community engagement, we strive to be a trusted, authoritative resource for bereavement support in East London.
Services
1:1 Counselling
Early Bereavement Support
Grief Cafs
Telephone Sessions
Online Counselling
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 12 free specialist counselling sessions per client
- Our counsellors provide flexible session formats including face-to-face, phone, and Zoom
- We operate from accessible locations in Bethnal Green and Bromley by Bow
- Our services are available to both self-referrals and professionally referred clients
- We maintain transparent funding practices with clear session cost breakdowns
Associations and certifications
- Charity Commission
Services
1:1 Counselling
Specialist one-to-one counselling sessions provide a safe space to explore grief at your own pace. Our trained professionals offer weekly 50-minute sessions through face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, or Zoom video conferences. This service helps clients understand their emotions and develop coping strategies following bereavement.
Early Bereavement Support
Flexible support during the critical initial months following loss. Up to four sessions focus on emotional processing, practical challenges, and reintegration into daily life. Sessions address specific needs like returning to work or managing sudden lifestyle changes after bereavement.
Grief Cafs
Monthly informal gatherings provide connection opportunities with others experiencing grief. Held every second Monday at The Canvas venue, these sessions offer optional participation in a relaxed environment with refreshments, combining social support with professional guidance.
Telephone Counselling
Accessible bereavement support via phone for those unable to attend in-person sessions. Maintains the same professional standards as face-to-face counselling with flexible scheduling options. Particularly beneficial for clients with mobility challenges or those preferring home-based support.
Online Counselling
Secure Zoom video sessions provide remote access to specialist bereavement support. Maintains confidentiality and therapeutic effectiveness while offering geographical flexibility. Requires stable internet connection and private space for participation.
Questions
What types of bereavement support do you offer?
We provide 1:1 counselling, early bereavement support programmes, and monthly Grief Cafés for peer support in East London.
Are your counselling sessions free?
Yes, we offer 12 free specialist counselling sessions funded through charitable donations and grants.
Where are your counselling locations?
Sessions occur at St Margaret's House (Bethnal Green) and Bromley by Bow Centre, both accessible via public transport.
How long has CELBS been operating?
We've provided bereavement support since 1984, registered as a charity with the Commission (CIO 1169797) since 2015.
