Bereavement support

It can be overwhelming when someone close dies. You may find it difficult to cope and not know how to find the support you need.

What to do when someone dies 

This includes: 

Contact your local funeral director to help you arrange the funeral. The funeral director will be able to guide and support you through the process.

If you hire a funeral director, choose one who’s a member of either:

If there are no known relatives or friends able to make the funeral arrangements, we may be able to support.

In Redbridge, we have five cemeteries and a crematorium.  

You may be able to get help with the cost of a funeral or if you need to access bereavement benefits.

Government Funeral Expenses Payment if you receive certain benefits or tax credits. You should tell the funeral director before committing to any arrangements
Advice from the Money Advice Service. This lists alternative options for paying for a funeral
Government Bereavement Support Payment if your partner has died
Government Guardian’s Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died. If you’re a lone surviving parent, you may also be able to get this allowance
Quaker Social Action supports people struggling with funeral costs
Child Funeral Charity help families who need to arrange a funeral for a baby or child
Turn2Us provides a range of financial support including that related to bereavement

NHS website has information on physical and emotional symptoms of grief
Samaritans offer support to anyone experiencing stress, despair or is in crisis. You can call them free on 116123
Cruse Bereavement Care have several wellbeing support resources. You can also call them on 0808 808 1677, Monday to Friday
Redbridge Talking Therapies provide treatment and services to those feeling distressed. You can call them on 0300 300 1554, Monday to Friday
St Francis Hospice can guide and support you through counselling, support groups and resources

The Silver Line is a free helpline for information, friendship and advice to older people. You can call them on 0800 470 80 90, every day of the year
Age UK provide advice for how to cope with the death of a loved one and the emotions you may experience

Marie Curie Telephone Bereavement Support can help anyone affected by a terminal illness. You can call them on 0800 090 2309 seven days a week
Macmillan Cancer Support charity offers support and information to those who have lost someone to cancer
The Loss Foundation is a charity providing support following the death of a loved one to cancer. They provide support events to help people connect in loss

Child Bereavement UK supports families and professionals when a child dies or when a child grieves. You can call them on 0800 02 888 40, Monday to Friday
Hope Again offers support for young people who have lost someone. You can call them on 0808 808 1677, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
The Compassionate Friends gives support to bereaved parents, adult siblings and grandparents. You can call them on 0345 123 2304, everyday

MIND bereavement by suicide provides support to people bereaved or affected by suicide
The Support After Suicide Partnership offers support to people who have lost a loved one to suicide

British Heart Foundation supports anyone who has lost someone through a heart condition. They also offer specialist resources for children
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) supports families after the tragedy of a young sudden cardiac death

Alzheimer’s Society supports people with grief, loss and bereavement when the person has dementia

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