What to Do After a Bereavement in North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire

 

We Are Sorry for Your Loss

Losing someone close to you can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. During this difficult time, there are a number of practical steps that need to be taken. This guide provides information and support for people living in North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.

Immediate Steps After a Death

If the Death Occurs at Home

If the death was expected, contact the person's GP, community nurse, hospice team, or out-of-hours service. A healthcare professional will arrange for the death to be verified and guide you through the next steps. [lincolnshi...ces.nhs.uk]

If the death was unexpected, call 999 immediately. [lincolnshi...ces.nhs.uk]

If the Death Occurs in Hospital, Hospice or Care Home

Staff will verify the death, provide support, and explain what happens next. They can also help with bereavement services and funeral arrangements. [lincolnshi...ces.nhs.uk], [ulh.nhs.uk]

 

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Registering the Death

A death must normally be registered within five days in the district where the death occurred, unless it has been referred to the Coroner. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [northlincs.gov.uk]

Lincolnshire

Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed and reviewed, the Registration Service will contact the next of kin to arrange an appointment. [lincolnshire.gov.uk]

More information: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/deaths

North Lincolnshire

If the death occurred in North Lincolnshire, registration appointments are arranged through the Register Office in Scunthorpe. [northlincs.gov.uk]

More information: https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/community-advice-and-support/registering-a-death

Use the Tell Us Once Service

The free Tell Us Once service allows you to notify several government departments and organisations about the death in one go, including:

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• Passport Office
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• Local council services

This service is offered when the death is registered. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [northlincs.gov.uk]

Arranging a Funeral

You can use a funeral director or make arrangements yourself.

A funeral director can help with:

• Burial or cremation arrangements
• Transport of the deceased
• Funeral planning and administration
• Advice regarding costs and support available

There is usually no need to rush decisions, and healthcare staff or bereavement teams can provide guidance. [lincolnshi...ces.nhs.uk], [nelincs.gov.uk]

North Lincolnshire Cremation and Burial Services

Woodlands Crematorium and Bereavement Services provide support and information regarding local cremation and burial arrangements. [northlincs.gov.uk]

Telephone: 01724 747555

Financial Support

You may be eligible for financial help following a bereavement, including:

• Funeral Expenses Payment
• Bereavement Support Payment
• Help with probate and estate administration

Further information can be found on GOV.UK's "What to Do When Someone Dies" guide. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [nelincs.gov.uk]

Emotional Support and Counselling

Grief affects everyone differently. Support is available for adults, children and young people.

Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss

Provides counselling and support for adults, children and families experiencing bereavement. Services are available face-to-face, online and by telephone. [lcgl.org.uk], [haylincoln...hire.co.uk]

Telephone: 01522 546168
Website: https://lcgl.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support

National charity offering bereavement counselling, information and local support groups. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [eolc.co.uk]

Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk

The Good Grief Trust

Offers practical advice, resources and access to bereavement support organisations across the UK. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [eolc.co.uk]

Website: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

Child Bereavement UK

Support for children, young people and families coping with bereavement. [cranwell.l...ncs.sch.uk]

Website: https://www.childbereavementuk.org

Helpful Organisations

NHS Bereavement and Grief Support

Advice on coping with grief, loss and bereavement. [lincolnshire.gov.uk], [nhs.uk]

National Bereavement Service

Provides guidance on practical matters following a death as well as emotional support. [lincolnshire.gov.uk]

AtaLoss

Helps bereaved people find local and national support services. [eolc.co.uk]

When to Seek Additional Help

Please speak to your GP if:

• You are struggling to cope day-to-day.
• Your grief feels overwhelming or persistent.
• You are experiencing anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.
• You feel isolated and would benefit from additional support.

Bereavement affects everyone differently, and support is available whenever you need it.

Useful Links

• GOV.UK: What to Do When Someone Dies
• Lincolnshire County Council Bereavement Support
• North Lincolnshire Council Registration Services
• NHS Bereavement Support
• Cruse Bereavement Support
• Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss

This information is intended as general guidance. Services and contact details may be subject to change. Please visit the relevant organisation's website for the latest information.