What you can do to look after yourself

• accept that it is normal not to feel 'normal'

• let yourself experience the feelings and talk to others about it. Many people feel the need to talk about what has happened and how they feel about it, over and over again

• you may need to find out more about what happened if all the facts are not clear about how your loved one died

• some return to routine can help as long as you try to balance this with time to reflect on what has happened to you

• try to have a life style that keeps you in good physical shape - try sticking to a regular routine of eating, sleeping, exercise and relaxation.

• Look after yourself

If you find that you are not coping well, please talk to a doctor or contact one of the bereavement counselling organisations.

Things you need to do within 5 days

 

• When someone dies at home a doctor must be called to sign a medical certificate. If the death has been sudden the doctor will have to talk to the police who will report it to the coroner. A post mortem examination may be arranged.

• When someone dies in hospital the doctor there will give you a medical certificate.

• Once you have the medical certificate you must make an appointment with the register office and register the death within five days. The registrar will issue a death certificate and notification of disposal which should be given to the funeral director. Make a few copies of the death certificate. You may need these for pension and insurance purposes.

• A funeral director can be chosen before or after you have registered the death. Most people obtain a name from the telephone directory or by word of mouth.

He or she will advise on the procedures for the funeral.

• Contact your social security office (local Benefits Agency) to arrange pension and other entitlements. You may be eligible for funeral payment or widow's payment. (There are guides to your entitlements available in the benefits agency.)

• Inform the tax office about your change in circumstances.

• You may want to put a death notice in the local or national papers.

• If there is a will the executors will make sure it is carried out. Contact the solicitor. If there is no will contact the Probate Registry for an application to administer the estate. Your local Citizens' Advice Bureau can help you.

You may also find the following local addresses and telephone numbers useful:

Registrar of births, marriages and deaths

Council offices, Swanspool House, Wellingborough

0300 126 1000

 Citizens Advice Bureau

2b High Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4HR

0870 126 4865

Age UK

6 Park Road, Wellingborough, NN8 4PG

01933 441491

Benefits Agency

Lothersdale House, West Villa Road, Wellingborough, NN8 4NE

01933 221200

Counselling and support following bereavement

 

Cruse bereavement care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides counselling and support. It offers information, advice, education and training services.

Cruse have a range of booklets and leaflets on their website:

www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

 

Cruse (bereavement advice and counselling)

Northampton 01604 416800

Kettering/Corby 01536 408000

 

Day by Day Helpline
0844 477 9400
or email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm

Young Person's freephone helpline
0808 808 1677
or email: info@rd4u.org.uk

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