Bereavement Guidance & Aftercare Support

Understanding Bereavement

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and no two people experience it in the same way. Whether a death is sudden or expected due to illness, it can shake us to the core. It may even prompt us to reflect on our own mortality. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve. Every person's experience is shaped by their relationship with the deceased, their personality, their circumstances, and the support systems around them.

For many, time is a healer. Talking with a close friend, family member or trusted companion can be an immense comfort. But sometimes, grief can become overwhelming and begin to affect daily life. If that is the case, seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it is a courageous and helpful step forward.

We can assist you in finding professional bereavement counselling or local grief support groups. Counselling offers a safe, impartial space to talk. A trained bereavement counsellor can help make sense of emotions, provide practical support, and guide you through the storm. Support is available for all, regardless of age, background, or belief.

We Are Thinking of You

Cruse Bereavement Support Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Registering a Death in Northern Ireland

Before a burial or cremation can take place, a death must be registered with a District Registration Office, ideally within five working days.

There is no fee for registering a death or obtaining the first death certificate. Copies of the death certificate can be purchased if needed for legal, financial, or administrative purposes.

Who Can Register a Death:

  • A relative of the deceased

  • A spouse or civil partner

  • Someone present at the death

  • An occupier of the premises (e.g., hospital official)

  • A person making the funeral arrangements

  • The executor of the estate

Please note: Funeral Directors cannot legally register a death, but we are here to help guide and assist you through the process.

What You’ll Need to Provide:

  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by a doctor)

  • Full name, maiden name, and any previous names of the deceased

  • Date and place of death

  • Address and occupation of the deceased

  • Marital status

  • Birthplace (town or county)

  • GP’s name and address

  • Any private pensions held

  • Parent details (if the deceased was a child)

Documents You Will Receive:

  • Death Certificate – Certified proof of registration (copies must be purchased)

  • Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form/GR021) – Free

  • BD8 Form for DWP – To notify government pension or benefit services

Practical & Emotional Support After the Funeral

At WJ O'Donnell & Sons, our care doesn’t end at the graveside. We are committed to walking alongside families as they continue adjusting in the weeks and months following a loss. We provide:

  • Signposting to local and national bereavement charities

  • Guidance with benefits and government support claims

  • Follow-up welfare checks and optional visits

  • Advice on memorials, inscriptions, and headstones

  • Help arranging future remembrance events or anniversaries

  • Assistance managing paperwork related to the deceased's estate

We believe aftercare is an essential part of funeral service, and we’re honoured to provide that ongoing support with compassion and discretion.

Bereavement Support Contacts

Bereavement Service (Department for Communities)
Freephone: 0800 085 2463

AnamCara (Bereaved Parents)
Tel: 00353 1 404 5378 / 085 288 8888

Child Bereavement UK
Tel: 0800 0288 840

Compassionate Friends
Tel: 028 9265 2550 / 028 8778 8016

SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity NI)
Helpline: 077 4099 3450

The Lullaby Trust
Tel: 0808 802686

PIPS Suicide Prevention
Helpline: 0800 088 6042

Barnardo’s Bereavement Support Service
Advice Line: 028 9066 8333

Winston’s Wish (Bereaved Children)
Tel: 0808 802 0021

The Child Funeral Fund (Northern Ireland)

This government scheme provides a lump sum of £3,056 towards funeral costs for a child under 18 or a stillbirth after the 24th week of pregnancy. Eligibility does not depend on income and will not affect any benefits. Claim must be made within six months.

To apply, contact the Bereavement Service Helpline or download a form online via NI Direct.

Other Practical Resources

  • Age Concern Northern Ireland: 0800 169 6565

  • Alzheimer’s Society: 0300 222 1122

  • Cancer Focus NI: 028 9066 3281

  • Macmillan Support: 0808 808 0000

  • NI Bereavement Register: 0800 082 1230 (stop unwanted mail)

  • NI Direct Government Services: www.nidirect.gov.uk

Each Health & Social Care (HSC) Trust also has an online bereavement page with local support services:

  • Belfast HSC Trust: www.belfasttrust.hscni.net

  • Northern HSC Trust: www.northerntrust.hscni.net

  • Southern HSC Trust: www.southerntrust.hscni.net

  • South Eastern HSC Trust: www.setrust.hscni.net

  • Western HSC Trust: www.westerntrust.hscni.net

We’re Here When You Need Us

If you or someone you know is struggling after the loss of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s emotional support, practical guidance, or simply a listening ear — our door remains open.

WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors
Caring for your family as we would our own.