What to do after someone dies
What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, not only is it a sad and difficult time but there are many things that have to be done.
St Helena’s guidance and support after someone dies booklet is designed to guide and support you through the various tasks you will have to undertake in the first weeks and months after the death of someone.
Bereavement support
The death of a family member or friend can be devastating and can bring about stronger emotions than you have previously experienced. For some people, grieving starts at the time of death. For others, it can start much earlier; even during your loved one’s life.
If you’re not feeling yourself since your bereavement, there is help available:
- Talk to your GP
- The Samaritans are available 24/7, providing support to adults to prevent suicide and for those who need to talk on 08457 90 90 90
- Cruse Bereavement Care can offer practical advice or just someone to chat to about how you’re feeling
St Helena bereavement support service
St Helena provides bereavement support free of charge to all adults and children in north east Essex facing bereavement, regardless of the cause or place of death.
The support offered to you is tailored to your needs by an experienced team of specialist bereavement volunteers and counsellor sand may be group support and/or one to one counselling.
You can find out more and refer yourself online or ask your GP to refer you.
Age Well East bereavement support
Age Well East provide in-person support groups to anyone aged over the age of 18 who have been bereaved in Colchester and Tendring.
The regular groups will be led by trained and compassionate staff and will take place in a safe and accessible environment, aiming to stop people from experiencing grief and bereavement alone.
ESNEFT bereavement support
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust provides bereavement services at both Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, including offering advise and support groups.
Bereaved by Suicide Service
The Suffolk and North East Essex Suicide Bereavement Service provides free support for those of all ages affected by bereavement, including first responders, family, friends, workplaces, schools and other settings. Two suicide liaison workers can provide help with all emotional and practical needs for recent as well as historical incidents (there is no time limit).
Referrals can be made by the bereaved individual or by a third party on their behalf by filling in the forms below and emailing them to SNEE.bereavedbysuicide@victimsupport.org.uk
Self referral form for adults
Referral form for children and young people
Other bereavement support
Some funeral directors also provide bereavement support, or can signpost you to bereavement support available to you locally. Speak to your funeral director to see what support they can offer.
Co-op funeral directors provides plenty of useful bereavement resources on their website and some of their funeral homes run bereavement groups. Find out more on their website or by calling your local Co-op funeral directors
L & K funeral directors in Clacton also offer support and advice, including ongoing emotional and practical support, for as long required. Their services are available beyond the funeral, and is complementary. They can, if requested, offer a cup of tea and a chat, on a ‘one to one’ basis. Visit their website and contact them for more information.
Useful links and resources
Registering a death in north east Essex
Bereaved by suicide service - email BBS.support@victimsupport.org.uk or call 24/7 supportline service 08 08 16 89 111