Useful contacts
After someone has died there will be many people and organisations you will need to contact.
When someone dies
When someone dies, the first steps you need to take will depend on how and where they died. See our useful guide to find out more.
Choosing a funeral director
The death of a loved one is one of the most upsetting experiences we have to go through. So, when choosing a good funeral director, what should you be looking out for?
How to register a death
Before you can begin to plan a funeral for your loved one you will need to register the death at the Registrar’s Office. It’s important that this is carried out within 5 days of receiving the medical certificate. Here we will explain how to register a death in Essex.
Probate & the will
When someone dies, you may be given the task of sorting out their property, money and other possessions, to be able to carry out this job you will need to apply for Probate. Before you begin this process you need to find out if there’s a Will as soon as you can, it may contain important instructions such as the deceased’s funeral wishes. The Will also names the executor and any beneficiaries.
Help with funeral costs
Bereavement is, without doubt, a devastating experience that can increase financial strain. If you’re in a position where you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, there are options available and you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
Who to notify
Having to deal with the affairs of the deceased immediately after their death can be complicated and upsetting, however, sorting out these issues is an essential task that we can guide you through. If you are worried about who to tell when someone has died, our simple checklist will act as a handy guide to help you through the process.
Funeral price options
We are pleased to offer a number of price options, which include Unattended Cremation, Simple Cremation, and the Traditional Funeral package.
“Very professional and helpful. We received many complimentary comments from the people who attended the service at Bentley.“
Mrs J
from Worcestershire
Find useful contacts offering both practical and emotional help.
There are many organisations that provide valuable information, resources, and both practical and emotional support to people who have been affected by bereavement.
Some of the contact information listed applies to the UK as a whole, such as government bodies whilst others listed are specifically aimed at people living in the Essex area.
Some organisations listed in Emotional and Bereavement Support will support people that have been affected by a particular type of death.
Should you need to contact an organisation and are unable to do so, or require further assistance please call Bennetts Funeral Directors on 01277 210104
We are here to help.
Registrar contacts and coroners contacts
REGISTRAR’S
Essex Registrar
Tel: 0345 603 7632
Find your nearest registration office when registering a death
Coroner
Essex Coroners Office
Chelmsford: 0333 013 5000
Email: coroner@essex.gov.uk
Essex & Thurrock: 01245 506837
Southend: 01245 506806
Bereavement support and emotional services
Forget-Me-Not Support Group
For relatives and parents who have experienced the loss of a baby during or shortly after childbirth.
Tel: 01268 414149
Our Grieving Hearts
Support and understanding for those who have lost a child of any age. Monthly groups in Brentwood.
Website address: www.ourgrievinghearts.co.uk/
Bridget – 07894 698288
Bereavement Service Helpline
Telephone: 0345 606 0265
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Cruse Bereavement Care
Website address: www.cruse.org.uk
National helpline number: 0808 808 1677
The Samaritans
24-hour helpline support every day of the year for anyone in distress including those who are feeling suicidal.
T: 08457 90 90 90
Website address: www.samaritans.org
Childhood Bereavement Network
T: 020 7843 6309
Website address: childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
Although this organisation is mainly a professional network their website has a good search facility on its front page to allow you to find support services for children in your local area.
Macmillan Cancer Support
T: 0808 808 0000
Mon- Fri 0900-2100
W: www.macmillan.org.uk
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are a family member, carer or friend.
Child Bereavement UK
www.childbereavementuk.org
0800 282 986
0808 800 6019 (from a mobile)
Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity
www.uk-sands.org
0808 164 3332
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish was the first UK childhood bereavement support charity, and have been supporting bereaved children since 1992.
www.winstonswish.org
Hope Again
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place, where young people facing grief can share their stories with others.
www.hopeagain.org.uk
Support After Suicide
www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk/
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
www.uk-sobs.org.uk
0300 111 5056
The Compassionate Friends (Support Group for Essex) 0345 123 2304
www.tcf.org.uk
Rehab 4 Addiction – provides a wealth of resources and information relating to addiction and mental health. Additionally their helpline offers immediate assistance, as well as a comprehensive directory of treatment centres throughout the UK.
www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
New Era
A monthly social support group for anyone who has lost a significant person in their lives.
Contact via Bennetts Funeral Directors 01277 210104
Please ask for Lisa or Martyn.
Find financial support and advice
Funeral Expenses Payment
Get help with funeral costs
Gov.UK
Death and benefits
Citizens Advice
Financial help available
Contact government organisations
Tell Us Once
A service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
TELL US ONCE
HMRC Tax Office
Telephone: 0300 200 3300
National Insurance Contributions Office if they were self-employed (to cancel payments)
Telephone: 0300 200 3500
Child Benefit Office (at latest within eight weeks)
Telephone: 0300 200 3100
Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA)
to return any driving licence, cancel car tax or return car registration documents/change ownership
UK Identity and Passport Service
Telephone: 0300 222 0000
Dying without a Will
Who inherits if you die without a Will
Stopping Junk Mail to the Recently Deceased
www.stopmail.co.uk