Registering a death
Following the death of someone important to you, the death must now be referred to a Medical Examiner. This is a new service that has been introduced by the government and is being rolled out across the country. In the past, the GP was able to issue a death certificate (Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death, or MCCD) immediately following the death of one of their patients. Under this new service, the GP must first make an urgent referral to the Medical Examiner, who will review the case. At this point, the Medical Examiner may contact the next of kin to ask questions and check whether you have any concerns about your loved one’s passing. If the Medical Examiner agrees with the likely cause of death, they will reply to the GP (usually within 24-48 hours), at which point the GP will be able to issue an MCCD. This may sometimes mean that it takes slightly longer for the GP to be able to issue the MCCD, but the Medical Examiner will try to work as quickly as possible.
Bereavement Advice Centre
Bereavement Advice Centre is a free helpline and web-based information service provided by Co-op Legal Services. They provide practical information and advice and signposting on the many issues and procedures that face us after the death of someone close.
The City and East London Bereavement Service
The City and East London Bereavement Service offers free counselling to the following individuals and couples; any individual over the age of 18 who is a resident of the London Borough Tower Hamlets, couples who have lost a child of any age who are residents of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, relatives and friends of anyone who has died in the hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust.
Child Death Helpline
A helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child in any circumstance, however recent or long ago.
0800 282 986
0808 800 6019
http://childdeathhelpline.org.uk/
Tower Hamlets Bereavement Support Group
Tower Hamlets Bereavement Support Group is a peer support group for anyone who has experienced a bereavement or loss. The group provides a safe and supportive environment where people can meet others who have had similar experiences. Everyone is welcome to share their experience and learn from the experience of others. The group meets once a month on Tuesdays.
020 8525 3140
n.brophy@stjh.org.uk
https://www.ideastoreonlinedirectory.org
Samaritans
Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection. They offer a safe place for you to talk at any point, in your own way.
116 123
https://www.samaritans.org
The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust provides emotional support for bereaved families, promotes expert advice on safer baby sleep and raises awareness of sudden infant death.
0808 802 6868
support@lullabytrust.org.uk
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/