Bereavement & Trauma Support
Grief and trauma hit differently when you're on the road. Whether you've lost someone close, witnessed a road incident, or are carrying pain you haven't been able to talk about — this page is for you.
If you're in crisis right now: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text BeAMate to 85258
Why This Matters for Drivers
Research from PTSD UK estimates that around one in four HGV drivers suffer from a form of mental illness, yet only 22% feel comfortable telling their employer. In the US, roughly one in three long-haul drivers will encounter a traumatic road incident during their career. The isolation of the cab, the stigma in a male-dominated industry, and the difficulty of accessing support while on the road all make grief and trauma harder to process.
Bereavement is devastating for anyone, but for drivers it carries an extra weight. You might get the phone call while you're 200 miles from home. You might miss the funeral because of a schedule you can't change. You might return to work before you've had time to grieve because you need the income.
Grief doesn't follow a timetable. It can hit you weeks or months later — at a service station, on a quiet stretch of motorway, or when a song comes on the radio. That's normal. There's no "right" way to grieve, and there's no deadline for feeling better.
What helps: Talk to someone — a friend, a family member, or a helpline like Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677). Keep a routine where you can. Be honest with your employer about what you need. And don't use alcohol to numb the pain — it makes everything harder in the long run.
Professional Treatment Options
If grief or trauma is affecting your daily life, sleep, or ability to drive safely, professional support can make a real difference. These are evidence-based treatments available through the NHS and private providers.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a NICE-recommended treatment for PTSD. It helps your brain process traumatic memories so they become less distressing.
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. Many people see significant improvement within 6-12 sessions. Available on the NHS via GP referral or privately.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps you understand and change thought patterns that are keeping you stuck in grief or trauma. Trauma-focused CBT is specifically designed for PTSD.
Usually 8-12 weekly sessions. Available on the NHS through self-referral to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) — you don't need a GP referral.
Specialist bereavement counsellors help you work through grief at your own pace. Cruse Bereavement Care offers free one-to-one support across the UK.
Many employers also offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with free confidential counselling — check with your company. Sessions can often be arranged by phone, which works well for drivers.
Sometimes the most helpful thing is talking to someone who's been through something similar. Peer support groups — both in-person and online — provide a space to share without judgment.
DriverWell's Peer Support forum connects you with other drivers. The Good Grief Trust (thegoodgrieftrust.org) can help you find local bereavement groups near you.
Support & Helplines
All of these services are free and confidential. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out — they're there for anyone who needs to talk.
Samaritans
24/7 • FreeFree, confidential support 24/7. You don't have to be suicidal to call — they're there for anyone struggling.
116 123
Cruse Bereavement Care
Free • Mon–FriThe UK's leading bereavement charity. Free helpline, one-to-one support, and local groups for anyone grieving.
0808 808 1677
PTSD UK
OnlineSpecialist charity for PTSD and Complex-PTSD. Resources, self-help tools, and guidance on getting treatment.
ptsduk.org
Mates in Mind
24/7 • Free • TextFree, anonymous crisis support by text. Built for workers in transport, construction, and logistics.
Text BeAMate to 85258
MIND
Mon–Fri 9am–6pmMental health information and support. Their Infoline can help you find local services and talking therapies.
0300 123 3393
RHA Benevolent Fund
Industry-specificThe Road Haulage Association's charity. Financial and welfare support for people connected to the road transport industry.
rha.uk.net
Grief Encounter
Free • Mon–FriFree helpline for bereaved children and young people — if your loss is affecting your family, they can help.
0808 802 0111
CALM
5pm–midnight dailyCampaign Against Living Miserably. Free, anonymous helpline and webchat for anyone who needs to talk.
0800 58 58 58
For Employers & Fleet Managers
When a driver in your fleet experiences bereavement or trauma, how you respond matters enormously. Here's what you can do:
Create a safe environment
Make it clear that drivers can talk about what they're going through without fear of judgment or losing their job. Train managers to recognise signs of grief and trauma.
Be flexible with schedules
Allow time off for funerals and grieving. Consider lighter duties or shorter routes when a driver returns. Don't pressure them to "get back to normal" before they're ready.
Provide access to professional support
Offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with confidential counselling. Share the helpline numbers on this page with your drivers. Consider training mental health first aiders in your team.
Check in regularly
Don't just ask once and move on. Grief and trauma can surface weeks or months later. A regular "How are you doing?" from a manager who genuinely cares can make all the difference.
The HSE's Working Minds campaign and the Zero Suicide Alliance both offer free training to help employers support their workforce. The RHA also provides guidance specifically for the transport industry.
You Keep This Country Moving
Grief and trauma don't make you weak. They make you human. And asking for help isn't giving up — it's the bravest thing you can do. Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to carry it alone.
Sources: PTSD UK (2023), British Safety Council (2023), Cruse Bereavement Care, MIND, HSE Working Minds Campaign, Road Haulage Association