Coping with Loss Everyone copes with loss differently and there is no right or wrong method for dealing with the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. People will experience many different emotions while they are bereaved, they will experience these emotions in different orders and for different lengths of time, and no doubt they will all find different methods by which to deal with these emotions and work through their grief. No one in a state of bereavement should be expected to act in a certain w...

How to write a eulogy Regardless of the individual circumstances, when it comes to writing a eulogy you are likely to be going through a difficult, sensitive and busy time in your life. Unlike most speeches, this is often an unexpected one. You may have little time to prepare for the funeral, let alone the eulogy. You'll have a million and one thoughts going through your head and a range of contrasting emotions. Amongst all that there is the instant requirement to write something perfect. If you’re worried abo...

Organising a funeral part 2: How do I register a death in the UK? When a person dies a doctor will complete a medical certificate showing the cause of death. After the doctor has issued the 'Cause of Death', you must register the death within five days. (8 days in Scotland). If you decide to use a funeral director, they will need a death to be registered before planning the funeral. Make an appointment at the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, you will find the address of the nearest register office here https://www.gov.uk/register-offices....

Need help paying for a funeral? State Support The Government provides limited financial support for bereaved people on low incomes. Even if you are eligible for it, a state contribution is unlikely to cover the full cost of the funeral. The two forms of support are: Funeral Payments This is a grant (i.e. you don’t have to pay it back) towards the cost of a simple funeral for people on qualifying benefits. In east London the average award is around £1,250. More information on funeral payments can be found on the gov.uk site...

Organising a funeral part 4: Letting people know Telling people and organisations about a death can be stressful. It might help to do this sooner rather than later. You may also want to place a death notice or obituary in the local paper. If benefits or other allowances need to be assessed, then you should call the DWP bereavement line on 0345 606 0265 People and organisations you may need to contact Tell Us Once (DWP, Council Tax, Passport, DVLA, HMRC) Bank / building society / Post Office Creditors e.g. credit card and loans companies, c...

Organising a funeral part 3: Cremation, burial and other choices The choice between a cremation and burial can be a very personal matter. Factors in deciding may include: Directions or preferences indicated by the person who has died; Financial resources available to you; Religious beliefs, personal or spiritual philosophy; Environmental concerns; Simplicity or convenience; Where the person lived in relation to family or friends. Cremation is often a more affordable option and accounts for up to three quarters of all funerals. The UK figures for 2015 sho...

Organising a funeral part 1: Five things you need to know A death can bring with it a broad range of emotions. Our feelings toward the person who has died can become stronger and our need to provide them with a meaningful tribute can lead to anxiety about ‘getting it right.’ Throughout the process it may help to keep these five points in mind. 1. There is generally no reason to hurry If you’re able, take the time you need to create a meaningful tribute to the person who has died, and for the family, friends and colleagues involved. 2. Look at all th...

A Do-It-Yourself Funeral Guide Until the last hundred years, family members took charge of caring for their dead. People typically died at home, and loved ones prepared bodies for burial and conducted rituals without the need for funeral directors. Death was an intimate family affair that was affordable, meaningful, and personal. Today, death has become a business that is increasingly depersonalised and expensive. The average funeral in the UK costs over £3,700 (Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2017), an al...