Death - bereavement - advice and support
When somebody close to you dies, it can be
helpful to get advice and support to help you deal with your loss.
You can seek practical help from your funeral director, or
from your family doctor. If you need more guidance or support,
though, there are agencies that can help.
Practical help
You can ask for practical help and advice about what happens
next and what you need to do from your solicitor, a trusted
religious counsellor, or social services.
If health visitors or district nurses were
involved with the care of the person who died, they may also
be able to help.
If the person died in a hospital, staff there will give you
practical advice about what to do next.
Support and comfort from specialist organisations
It can help to talk with someone sympathetic, who
understands what you're going through.
You can check the websites of the organisations listed below for
basic information about what they do, and for national contact
numbers. You can also look in the phone book or ask at your library
for contact information for your local branch.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care works with and
supports people who have been bereaved. It focuses on helping them
understand their grief, and cope with their loss.
Its services are free. You can find out more
about its services by visiting its website, or calling its help
line 0844 477 9400. Visit the Cruse
Bereavement Care website.
Age UK
Age UK is a national charity focused on
helping and supporting the elderly.
It can offer practical advice on what you
need to do when someone close to you dies. It can help you find out
how to go about registering a death, arranging a funeral and
sorting out financial matters. Visit the Age UK website.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans offer confidential,
non-judgemental support through a telephone help line. The line is
available 24 hours a day, and is for people who are
experiencing severe distress or despair. It can offer help to those
with problems so severe they are considering suicide. It also
offers support through emails, letters and face-to-face meetings.
Visit The Samaritans
website.