Help in Times of Bereavement
We are very sorry for your loss.
Losing someone close to you can be overwhelming, and there are practical steps that need to be taken at a difficult time. We hope the information below helps guide you.
- Registering a Death
A death must usually be registered within 5 days in England (8 days in Wales and Scotland).
You can find full guidance on how to register a death, who can do this, and what documents you will need via the official government website:
Register a death:
https://www.gov.uk/register-a-death
The register office will provide you with the documents needed to arrange a funeral and manage the person’s estate.
If the death has been referred to the Coroner, there may be some delay. The Coroner’s Office will advise you on next steps.
- Arranging the Funeral
Once the death has been registered, you can begin making funeral arrangements.
Many families choose to use a funeral director. Funeral directors can guide you through the process, including transport, service arrangements, and paperwork.
You can find regulated funeral directors through national professional bodies:
- National Association of Funeral Directors – https://nafd.org.uk
- National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors – https://saif.org.uk
These organisations list accredited funeral directors who follow professional standards.
- Non-Religious Funerals
If you would prefer a non-religious or humanist ceremony, this can be arranged through your funeral director.
Independent celebrants or humanist celebrants can help create a personalised service that reflects your loved one’s life and wishes.
- Council (Public Health) Funerals
If there are no family members able to arrange a funeral, or if financial circumstances make this very difficult, the local council may arrange a Public Health Funeral.
This is sometimes referred to as a “council funeral.”
You can contact your local council for advice and guidance about eligibility and arrangements.
- Funeral Costs and Financial Support
Funeral costs can vary significantly depending on the type of service chosen.
If you are on certain benefits or have a low income, you may be able to apply for support through a Funeral Expenses Payment. Information is available via:
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
Some funeral directors also offer payment plans or lower-cost options.
If you need medical certificates or have any questions about paperwork, please contact the practice and our team will support you where we can.