In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days;
- Get a medical certificate from your GP or hospital doctor (this is necessary to register the death)
- Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.
- Make the necessary funeral arrangements.
Register the death
If the death has been reported to the coroner (or Procurator Fiscal in Scotland) they must give permission before registering the death.
You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator or the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors.
You can use the ‘Register a Death’ page on the gov.uk website that will guide you through the process. This will also explain the registration process for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Arrange the funeral
The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered. Most people use a funeral director, though you can arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral directors
Choose a funeral director who’s a member of one of the following:
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- National Federation of Funeral Directors
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
These organisations have codes of practice – they must give you a price list when asked.
Some local councils run their own funeral services, for example for non-religious burials. The British Humanist Association can also help with non-religious funerals.
Arranging the funeral yourself
Contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral costs
Funeral costs can include:
- funeral director fees
- things the funeral director pays for on your behalf (called ‘disbursements’ or ‘third-party costs’), for example, crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
- local authority burial or cremation fees
Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quotes.
Bereavement Support
Cruse
Offering support to you after the death of someone close. Tel: 0808 808 1677
www.cruse.org.uk Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Offering support to those bereaved by a suicide. Tel: 0300 111 5065
www.uk-sobs.org.uk Email: enquiries@crisis.org.uk
Age UK
National charity to support those in later life, including those who have suffered recent bereavement. Tel: 0800 678 1602 www.ageuk.org.uk
Citizen Advice
Offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to help people resolve bereavement issues. Tel: 0800 144 8848 (East Dorset) www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk
Moodjuice
A self-help guide for people suffering from bereavement. www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/bereavement.asp
Bereavement Support group
Find Support in a safe and confidential space, share your experiences and thoughts. Talk about your feelings about loss and pain.
‘Everyone welcome, we are a non-judgmental support group, we guarantee respect and confidentiality.’
Monday 2pm-4pm, Parkstone URC, Grebby Room, Commercial Road, BH12 0JW
Suggested donation of £3 for hot drink and cake.
Just Friends
monthly social ‘get together’ for people who have been bereaved or who’s loved one is in hospital or residential care.
Held in: St Clement’s Church Hall, St Clement’s Road, Poole from 3:45pm to 6pm on one Sunday each month.
For more information, please contact Marianne Crabb on 01202 064394