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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 worked with the person who died, they may also be able to help.

If the person died in a hospital, staff there can sometimes give you practical advice about what to expect.

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).

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The Child Bereavement Charity

The Child Bereavement Charity offer support and information to families affected by the death of a child or when children are bereaved. They also provide training to professionals to work with these families and children.

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Age Concern

Age Concern 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.

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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.

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