What to do when someone dies

Most of us are unsure what to do in this situation but there is help available. If you visit the government website  www.gov.uk/after-a-death   you will find an overview of what to do, and information on how to go about it, including registering a death, and planning a funeral.

 It is likely that your local council will have bereavement support services in place too, and a funeral director and solicitor can also help. Dealing with the will, money and property comes later.

Bereavement affects people differently and it is normal to feel overwhelmed with grief and feelings of shock, sadness, anger, exhaustion and sometimes guilt.

But although each bereavement is unique—there are recognised stages which you will gradually pass through and eventually the mixture of emotions will become less intense and you can begin to adjust to life again.

Talking and sharing your feelings with family and friends can help you cope.  But if they are grieving too, you can find help through local bereavement services.  Your GP may be able to refer you to a bereavement counsellor, a local hospice may run a bereavement service, or you could ring the national Cruse helpline on 0808 808 1677, www.cruse.org.uk .