Death and Bereavement

The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. This section outlines sources of practical advice and emotional support when someone dies. The End of Life section of the Direct Gov website (external link) also has a wide range of useful information on topics including preparation for death, what to do after a death, benefits and money after a death, and sorting out property after a death.

Please note: This page contains external links which are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links.

Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths Funerals Grief and bereavement Publications

Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths

To register a death you will need to make an appointment with the Registrar.

See Registering a death for more information.

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Funerals

A funeral director will make all the arrangements for the funeral. The choice of funeral director is important. The firm may be known to you personally, may be recommended by a friend or a religious advisor, or may have a good reputation locally.

There are three trade associations for funeral directors, all of which have codes of practice covering information on prices, and guarantees that a funeral will not cost more than any written estimate given to you. These are:

• National Association of Funeral Directors (external link)
• National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (external link)

If you want to make your own arrangements for the funeral you can get advice from the Natural Death Centre (external link) which aims to support those dying at home, and their carers, and to help people to arrange inexpensive, do-it-yourself and environmentally-friendly funerals.

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Grief and bereavement

The following organisations may be able to help you with painful emotions following the death of someone you love.

Cruse Bereavement Care (external link) offers free information, advice, support and counselling to bereaved people.

The National Association of Widows (external link) offers friendly support, information and advice to all widows. Contact them for details of local branches and regional advisory centres.

The Compassionate Friends (external link) is a nationwide self-help organisation. Parents who have been bereaved offer friendship and support to other bereaved parents, grandparents and their families.

Lesbian and Gay Bereavement Helpline (external link) helps lesbians and gay men whose partner has died – especially in the first difficult hours and days of bereavement.
HELPLINE 020 7403 5969 - open Tuesdays 7.30pm - 10.00pm.

Samaritans (external link) are ordinary people from all walks of life who offer a sympathetic listening ear to despairing and suicidal people of all ages. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are charged at the local rate.
HELPLINE 08457 90 90 90

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Publications

Age Concern England, Help the Aged, Which? Legal Service, the Inland Revenue and the Benefits Agency publish information and advice about the practical things that need to be done when someone dies. Useful publications include:

Dealing with someone’s estate Instructions for my next of kin and executors upon my death
Fact sheets from Age Concern England (external link).

What to do when someone dies
Wills and probate
Publications from Which? Legal Service, available from:
Which? Legal Service, Freepost, Hertford SG14 1SH, FREEPHONE 0800 25 21 00

What to do about tax when someone dies (IR45)
An introduction to inheritance tax (IHT3)
Free publications, available from local tax offices.

What to do after a death in England and Wales (D49)
Benefits Agency publication available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) (external link).

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