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Bereavement guide

Bereavement guide

Essential information for those dealing with the loss of a loved one.

This short bereavement guide (PDF) is designed for registrars, funeral directors, doctors, and other professionals to give to those who have recently lost someone. 

It may be provided in printed or electronic format and provides a simple overview of what to do next and where to find support.

Inside, you'll find key information on:

Helpful contacts

Organisations providing emotional support throughout the bereavement process.

GOV.UK for assistance in dealing with the death of your loved one and the necessary steps you are required to perform following this.

CRUSE bereavement care helps people of all ages, races, or beliefs cope with loss.
Telephone: 0844 477 9400

The Samaritans if you need someone to talk to, The Samaritans will listen and give support.
Telephone: 08457 90 90 90 

Age UK a national organisation for older people.
Telephone: 0800 169 6565

SSAFA Forces Help a national charity to help serving and ex-service men, women and their families in need.
Telephone: 0845 241 7141

The WAY Foundation provides self-help and support for men and women widowed, up to the age of 50, and their children.
Telephone: 0870 011 3450

Citizens Advice this service offers free, independent and confidential advice on resolving legal and money problems.

The Loss Foundation provides free support and guidance for those bereaved by cancer.

Long-term illness

Macmillan for information, advice or just someone who will listen.
Telephone: 0808 808 0000

CancerLink  provides information, practical advice and emotional support to those affected by the illness.

The Terrence Higgins Trust provides help and support for anyone with, or concerned about, AIDS or HIV infection.
Telephone: 0808 802 1221

Loss of a child

Child Bereavement UK support for families when a baby or child dies or is dying or if a child is facing bereavement.
Telephone: 0800 028 8840 (Support & Information line)
Telephone: 01494 568 900 (General)
Email: enquiries@childbereavementuk.org

Child Death Helpline  for all those affected by the death of a child of any age.
Telephone: 0800 282 986 
Telephone: 0808 800 6019

The Lullaby Trust support for families of a baby who has died suddenly.
Telephone: 0808 802 6868 (Helpline)
Telephone: 020 7802 320 (General)

The Still-Birth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) offers support for bereaved parents and families when a baby dies at, or soon after, birth.
Telephone: 020 7436 5881

Organ donation

HTA Human Tissue Authority license and inspect organisations that store and use human tissue for purposes such as research and patient treatment.
Telephone: 020 7269 1900

Road traffic death

Road Peace the UK's national charity for road crash victims. It gives support to those bereaved or injured in a road crash.
Telephone: 0845 450 0355

Suicide bereavement

If you, or someone you know has been bereaved by suicide, Help is at Hand is a guide offering practical and emotional information and support. It includes stories, advice and sources of help to try and help people feel less alone.

View the Help is at Hand guide (PDF).

Information is also available on the Support After Suicide website.