When someone dies there are many decisions and arrangements to be made, often at a time of personal distress. Practical advice and support may be provided by friends, family, doctor, nurse, solicitor, minister of religion or anyone involved with you or the person who has died. The Funeral Director can also explain about arrangements that have to be made. Citizens Advice Bureaux can provide confidential, independent advice and information on all aspects of the situation.

You may feel you want to talk to someone who is outside your immediate family or with other people who have been through a similar experience. There are several organisations that offer a listening ear or counselling service and others deal especially with people who have been bereaved.

AGE CONCERN – WEST SUSSEX  Publishes a free fact sheet ‘Planning for a Funeral', with information about arranging a funeral, including how to have a funeral without a funeral director, financial help and how to register the death.  Website: www.ace.org.uk

BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION Can provide information about arranging non religious funerals.  Website: www.humanism.org.uk

CHURCHES  Many Churches offer support to people who are bereaved even if they are not church members.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS  This is an organisation of bereaved parents and their families offering understanding, support and encouragement to others after the death of a child.  Website: www.tcf.org.uk

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE – WORTHING AND DISTRICT  Offers free and confidential bereavement counselling for all those bereaved, and social meetings locally on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

FUNERAL COSTS  You can only get help with the cost of a funeral if it appears reasonable for you to accept responsibility for the funeral arrangements and cost.  To possibly be eligible for a payment from the Social Fund you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit.  For further information contact the Jobcentre Plus network/Pensions Service and/or see their Booklet D49 ‘What to do after a death’.

LGBT BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE The LGBT Bereavement Helpline, part of London Friend, offers support for anyone affected by the death of a lesbian, gay man, bisexual or transgender person.  Website: www.londonfriend.org.uk/helpline

REGISTERING A DEATH  A death must be registered within 5 working days (unless the Registrar says this period may be exceeded). If a death has been referred to a coroner, it cannot be registered until the Registrar has received authority from the coroner. If the person died at home their GP will certify the cause of death and give you a Medical Certificate and Formal Notice telling you how to register the death. If the person died in hospital, the hospital will issue the certificate. When you go to the Registrar you should take the Medical Certificate, Birth and Marriage Certificates and the medical card of the person who has died, if possible. The Registrar will give you a form for the Funeral Director (unless the coroner is involved) and a form for the Jobcentre Plus network/Pensions Service so that pensions, allowances, benefits can be stopped or changed as appropriate. There is a charge for each copy of the Death Certificate you may need from the Registrar for Births, Deaths And Marriages.

This page was last updated 13/04/2007