We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
Bereavement
Bereavement Support
We understand that losing someone close to you is a very difficult time. This page provides guidance on what to do after a death, along with information about support available to you.
What to Do When Someone Dies
What you need to do first depends on where and how the death occurred.
If the death occurs at home
- Please contact the surgery during opening hours.
- Outside of these times, call NHS 111.
- A doctor or nurse will confirm the death and advise on next steps.
- You can contact a funeral director when you feel ready.
If the death occurs in hospital or hospice
- Hospital or hospice staff will guide you through the process.
- They will arrange the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- You may contact a funeral director at a time that feels right for you.
If the death is sudden or unexpected
- Call 999 immediately.
- Emergency services will attend.
- The Coroner may need to be involved before further arrangements can be made.
Registering a Death
A death should usually be registered within 5 days in England.
How to register, You will need to make an appointment with your local Register Office.
You may be asked to provide:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Full name, date of birth, and occupation
- Home address
- Marital status
What you will receive
- A certificate for burial or cremation
- Death certificates (you may wish to purchase several copies)
- A reference number for the Tell Us Once service
Coroner Involvement
The Coroner may investigate if the death was:
- Sudden or unexplained
- Due to an accident or injury
- Occurred under unusual circumstances
This may involve a post-mortem examination or inquest. The Coroner’s office will keep you informed throughout.
Informing Organisations
You may need to notify:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Utility providers
- Insurance companies
- Government departments
Tell Us Once Service
This service allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one step. The Register Office will provide details on how to use this service.
Financial & Energy Support
Managing household bills can feel overwhelming at this time.
- Contact your energy supplier as soon as possible
- Ask about bereavement support schemes or payment plans
- You may be eligible for financial assistance or grants
Other Practical Matters
You may also wish to:
- Secure the property
- Arrange care for pets
- Cancel or redirect post and deliveries
- Inform employers, schools, or other relevant organisations
Emotional Support
Bereavement is something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives.
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone important to you. It can affect people in many ways, and you may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, shock, anger, or even numbness.
There is no “right way” to grieve, and no set timeline for when things should start to feel easier. Everyone’s experience of loss is unique, and it’s important to allow yourself the time and space you need.
If you feel you would benefit from additional support to cope with your loss, there are services available that can help you through this difficult time.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK help children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Sands Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity
Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.
Compassionate Friends
TCF offers many different kinds of support for bereaved families. Whatever the cause of your loss, wherever you are in the UK, and whatever your circumstances – they are here to help.
Brake
Brake’s helpline is a quality accredited, Freephone, confidential support service, providing information and advocacy, emotional support and a listening ear for survivors of road crashes.
Scotty's Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.
Child Death Helpline
The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Callers to the helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or involved professionals.
Cruse - Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Care offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Hope Again
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
Dying Matters
Dying Matters encourages open conversations about death, dying and bereavement, helping people feel more prepared and supported.
The Lullaby Trust
Provides specialist bereavement support for families affected by the sudden death of a baby or young child.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Offers practical, emotional and financial support for people affected by cancer, including bereavement support.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Provides peer support for adults who have been bereaved by suicide, helping reduce isolation and stigma.
Wellbeing Suffolk Bereavement Support
Local support services offering advice, resources and guidance for those experiencing bereavement.