Bereavement care and support following the death of someone who was important to you
It may be helpful to read the step-by-step guide What to do when someone dies created by the government to help you navigate what needs to happen.
Ask your local GP practice, funeral director or crematorium what the situation is locally.
Arrangements for registering the death may have changed temporarily during the pandemic, so check with your local Register Office:
The Tell us once government service allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go. When you register the death the registrar will let you know if the service is available to you and how you can use it online or by phone.
You may have heard via the media that there are now restrictions on the number of people who can attend a funeral. The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) have some very helpful information to guide you on the NAFD Website, however do bear in mind that advice may change.
With the limit on the numbers of people who are able to attend funerals under the current restrictions, it may be helpful to think about alternative ways to remember the person who has died. Quaker Action have some suggestions such as using social media to hold a virtual service to enable others to be part of the day, and remembering the person who has died, such as lighting a candle.
Find support following a bereavement
Following the death of a loved one, you may be looking for support to help you to talk and to start to make sense of what has happened. Help is available from a number of organisations with supportive information on what to expect and how to cope. (Please bear in mind that you may encounter delay as these services try to respond to you during the current situation.)
Local Support
Oakham Ministry Bereavement support team are offering telephone support if needed, access via parish office. Telephone: 01572 724007 or email: office@oakhamteam.org.uk
LOROS Bereavement and counselling service offering one to one and group counselling and support. Telephone (0116) 231 3771.
Thorpe Hall – Sue Ryder offer one to one and group counselling and support. Telephone 01733 225 900 or email thorpehall@sueryder.org.
Sue Ryder also offers a free one to one counselling session which you can book on-line.
Cruse is a national organisation with both local and national support available They offer a range of free confidential support for adults and children. Please note there can be a waiting list. Local Cruse contacts:
Leicestershire 0116 288 4119 or email: leicester@cruse.org.uk
Stamford and Bourne Telephone: 07715 527611 Email: stamford@cruse.org.uk
National resources you may find helpful
Grief Chat offers online support for bereavement people between Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm (UK time)
The National Bereavement Service provides practical advice on all aspects of bereavement. Telephone 08000246121 or email info@thenbs.co.uk
The Good Grief Trust provides signpost to other useful information for people who are bereaved
The NHS website offers general advice on grief after bereavement or loss and offers specific advice for young people who have lost someone important.
MIND provides clear and accessible information and advice on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
If you are supporting someone who has been bereaved
This sensitive guide How other people can help offers straightforward advice on how to support someone who is bereaved.
Supporting children following a bereavement
The NHS website has useful guidance on talking to children about their feelings when they are anxious and stressed.
Winstons Wish offers information, advice and guidance on supporting bereaved children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak, as does
