Bereavement

Bereavement

Definition of Bereavement 

"Bereavement is a period of mourning or or state of intense grief, especially following the death of a loved one.  Bereavement is often a process that includes going through several stages of grief.  Bereavement can also be used more generally to mean the state of having lost something very dear."

In the UK there have been an increasing death everyday.  Someone you know, family member's or friends may be affected by this so we have put together some information below which may help in these tough times. The GOV.UK website has a very useful step by step guide for what to do when someone dies. 

Register a death

Families of those who have sadly passed away will not need to visit the registry office. Please book an appointment online for a telephone death registration. 

If you can't book online

For those who can't book online, our phone line is open:

• Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30pm
• Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm

Tel: 020 7364 7880 

Weekend emergency burial notice service

Contact our weekend and bank holiday emergency burial notice service:

• Saturday, 12pm to 5pm
• Sunday, 9am to 5pm

Tel: 07946 390 834

Help and Guidance for Families

• You can find financial support for funeral and bereavement costs from the government
• Cruse Bereavement Care 
• ThriveLDN - Support after sudden bereavement due to COVID-19
• Information and Guidance on the next steps with a list of support services for deaths and funerals during coronvirus.
• Grief reactions across different ages
• Detailed list of links for Bereavement Support
• NHS has produced a document -What to do when someone close to you dies during the pandemic
• Chaplaincy Team makes sure that patients, staff, relatives and friends in our hospitals are able to receive the support they need from representatives of various faiths and beliefs. Our team consists of full-time, part-time and trained volunteer chaplains. 
• Bereavement Support Services has produced an Information and Guidance Booklet - you can take a look here if you need advice, information and support
• Supporting bereaved children and young people - the outbreak of COVID-19 means that many aspects of children's lives have changed an many children will have questions and worries about the virus.  However, those who have experienced the death of someone important, or who have a family member who is ill, might be particularly worried.  The Childhood Bereavement Network has some tips about supporting bereaved or worried children.
• Help and guidance for families
• Deaths, funerals and support during coronavirus
• Supporting bereaved children and young people  
• Coping with grief and loss
• SLOW

Videos

• Child Bereavement - Bereaved Sibling
• Charity Film Awards - One More Minute
• Supporting a bereaved - Child with ASD