What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, not only is it a sad and difficult time but there are many things that have to be done. UK GOV provide a step by step guide on what to do practically.
Website
What to do when someone dies: step by step – GOV.UK
Mind Mid and North East Essex Bereaved by Suicide Support Service
Free support is available through Mind for adults and young people. This includes family members, friends, colleagues or anyone else impacted by the loss.
Phone
0300 330 1389
Website
www.mnessexmind.org/bereavedbysuicideCruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
Support is also available if you do not speak English.
The opening times for the helpline are:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 5pm.
Tuesday 1pm – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday – Closed
Young Person’s freephone helpline
0808 808 1677
Website
www.cruse.org.ukSt Helena Hospice
St Helena Hospice offer bereavement support to all those living in North Essex. They take referrals from 12 weeks after a death. They support anyone regardless of the cause of death. No hospice connection is required. They have both free and fee paying services as well bereavement services for children.
They offer bereavement support groups, one to one counselling (as well as telephone and online one to one counselling) and bereavement cafés (free to attend drop-ins).
Self referrals are accepted online and over the telephone
Phone
01206 984 274
Website
https://sthelena.org.uk/home#
Email
ces-coordinators@sthelena.org.ukSurvivors of Bereavement by Suicide
SoBS – Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide provides peer-led support to adults affected by suicide loss. Local and virtual groups, phone and email support are on offer as well as online forums.
Phone
03001115065
Website
https://uksobs.com/
Email
email.support@uksobs.orgBrake
The National Road Victim Service is a free, professional support service for those affected by road accidents. Offering support and advice to people that have lost someone through a road traffic accident or those seriously injured.
Open Monday to Friday 10am–4pm
Phone
0808 8000 401
Website
www.brake.org.uk
Email
helpline@tcf.org.ukChild Bereavement UK (formally Winston’s Wish and Child Bereavement UK)
Get instant access to expert bereavement support via phone, live chat, email or text/WhatsApp from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). No appointment needed or long wait times.
Get instant access to expert bereavement support via phone, live chat, email or text/WhatsApp from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). No appointment needed or long wait times.
Phone
0800 0288840
Website
www.childdeathhelpline.org.ukSANDS – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
The Miscarriage Association provide support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
Phone
0808 164 3332
Website
https://www.sands.org.uk/
Email
helpline@sands.org.uk
Local Sands groups
Clacton
Email
clactononsea@sandsvolunteer.org.uk
Website
www.facebook.com/ClactononSeaSands
Essex
Email
support.essex@sandsvolunteer.org.uk
Website
www.essex.sands.org.uk/
Local support groups in the area
Forwards bereavement group
A Colchester based support and social group for those that are single by bereavement.
Website
www.forbegs.co.ukFind your Way: Navigating Grief
A 6-week course run by The University of Essex Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub.
Website
University of Essex: Find Your Way: Navigating Grief
Email
healthwellbeingcare@essex.ac.ukSelf-care for grieving hearts
Blossome bereavement support for widows – supporting people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking, drug use, gambling or addiction (12 week programme)
Blossome: Mindful Self-Compassion for Widows
Blossome: 12 week self-care programmeWidows Friendship Group
1st Floor of Colchester Library, 2nd Friday of the month 11am – 12noon.
Website
Widows Friendship GroupMourning Brew (Hosted by Hunnabals)
Once per month at First site at 10am
Email
sarahdewey@hunnaball.co.ukSupport After Murder and Manslaughter
SAMM (Support After Murder and Manslaughter) is a registered charity offering support to those bereaved by the murder or manslaughter (homicide) of a family member or close friend.
SAMM offer individual support, empowerment weekends, support groups/pop up cafes and an online forum
Online support groups
General women’s group is held every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 8pm.
Men Living with Loss group is held every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Phone
0121 472 2912
Website
www.samm.org.uk
Text
07342 888570
Email
info@samm.org.ukThe WAY Foundation
The WAY Foundation is a charity run entirely by volunteers, providing a self-help support network for men and women widowed up to the age of 50. Requires membership to access support
Office Hours
Monday – Friday – 9.30am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday – Closed
Phone
0300 201 0051
Website
www.widowedandyoung.org.ukSupport in Loss
Monthly Coffee and Chat at Christ Church, Ireton Road
Website
www.colchesterchristchurch.org.uk/adultsAt a Loss
Peer support group for 18 to 35 year olds. Offering face to face and virtual support groups.
Website
Let’s Talk About Loss – Colchester (Grief Support)
Email
colchester@letstalkaboutloss.orgSt Helena’s Hospice Bereavement Café
Colchester Highwoods – Every 3rd Wednesday of the month – 10:30am to 12:00pm.
St Helena Hospice, The Lounge, Joan Tomkins Centre, Myland Hall, Barncroft Close, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9JUWest Bergholt
Every 4th Tuesday of the month – 2:00pm to 3:30pm.
St Marys Church Hall, West Bergholt CO6 3JZ