Support and Helplines
You do not have to go through this on your own. Every organisation below offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by bereavement, whether you need someone to talk to at 3am, practical advice, or help with money worries. Reaching out is not a weakness, and there is no wrong time to do it.
Need someone to talk to right now?
Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Free to call, and you do not need to know what to say before you ring.
Call 116 123Samaritans
Free, confidential emotional support for anyone in distress. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Cruse Bereavement Support
The UK's leading bereavement charity. Free support, advice, and information after a bereavement. They also offer one-to-one counselling.
Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm, extended hours on weekday evenings
Citizens Advice
Free, impartial advice on legal, financial, and practical matters after a bereavement, including benefits, debt, and housing.
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Age UK
Support and advice for older people, and for anyone dealing with the loss of an older person.
8am-7pm, 365 days a year
Child Bereavement UK
Support for families and professionals when a baby or child has passed away, and for children who are grieving.
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
WAY (Widowed and Young)
Peer support for anyone aged 50 or under who has lost a partner. Connects you with others in a similar situation.
The Silver Line
Free, confidential helpline for older people. Offers friendship, conversation, and information.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
Support for anyone who has been bereaved or affected by suicide.
9am-9pm every day
The Lullaby Trust
Support for families who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.
Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, weekends and evenings 6pm-10pm
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
Support for anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth.
9:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am-9:30pm Tuesday and Thursday
MoneyHelper (Bereavement)
Free financial guidance on pensions, benefits, tax, and money matters after a bereavement.
Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
Turn2us
Helps people access the money available to them through benefits, grants, and other support. Includes a benefits calculator.
Death Notification Service
Free service to notify multiple banks and building societies of a death with a single notification. Run by the banking industry.
GOV.UK: What to do when someone dies
Official government step-by-step guide covering registration, Tell Us Once, probate, and benefits.
National Will Register
Search for a registered will. Useful if you are not sure whether they left a will, or where it might be stored.
Related guides
When a Spouse Dies
Financial, legal, and practical steps when you lose your husband or wife
When a Parent Dies
Guidance for adult children after a mother or father has passed away
When a Child Dies
Support and guidance for the most devastating loss a family can face
Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to do, in order, from the first 24 hours onwards