Support For Bereaved People

Losing a loved one can be an extremely difficult time experiencing loss and having different and possibly new responsibilities now you’ve lost a loved one. It’s also really important that you look after yourself.

We also have a bereavement guide available to download that might be helpful at this time.

Financial support

You may be able to get Bereavement support payment. Note, you must claim within three months of your husband, wife or civil partner’s death to get the full amount. If you claim after this, you will get a smaller payment.

The coroner and inquest process

A coroner is an official who makes inquiries into how someone has died. They have a legal duty to investigate all unexpected or ‘unnatural’ deaths and to decide whether an inquest is needed to find out more.

An inquest is a special court hearing which looks into how someone died. The coroner uses the inquest to find out who the person was; where they died; when they died and how it happened. At the end of the inquest, there will be a ‘verdict’ that includes the cause of death.

An inquest can be an emotional experience for relatives and friends. You can find more information about inquests on the gov.uk website

Looking after your wellbeing

Remember that there’s no time limit to grieve, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s a totally personal experience and will be different for each person.

If you feel comfortable, talk to someone through your grief. You can speak to friends or relatives, to a GP, bereavement counsellor or charity helpline (there are some below).

Generally, it’s important to keep healthy and be kind to yourself. There helpful information about this on our Health, Wellbeing and Spirituality pages.

Help planning a funeral

Visit our page on funeral and costs for more information

Other organisations offering support

• WAY Charity help you to navigate life after a loss. They have a membership programme that includes access to a 24-hour helpline, social events and more.
  
  
• Cruse Bereavement Support - they have grief support for children and adults. You can call their helpline on 0808 808 1677 available: 
  
  • Monday: 9.30am-5pm
  • Tuesday: 9.30am-8pm
  • Wednesday: 9.30am-8pm
  • Thursday: 9.30am-8pm
  • Friday: 9.30am-5pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am -2pm
  
  In Scotland, contact Cruse Scotland on 0808 802 6161 (Open weekdays 9am-8pm & weekends 10am-2pm) or visit crusescotland.org.uk. They also have an online chat and you can find them on social media.
  
  
• Samaritans - runs a 24-hour helpline. You can talk to someone about anything that’s troubling you on 116 123
  
  
• Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – offers support and information to people bereaved by suicide. Their telephone line is suspended but you can email email.support@uksobs.org 
  
  
• The Silver Line – a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for older people. Tel: 0800 4 70 80 90
  
  
• Sue Ryder offers free online bereavement counselling
  
  
• You may be able to find local bereavement services through the at a loss website.

Page last updated: November 2023.