Support & guidance
Bereavement Support
Losing someone is never easy, and working out what needs to happen next can feel overwhelming. This page brings together clear, practical guidance — from registering a death to arranging a funeral — written by our own bereavement team to help you through it, one step at a time.
Step by step
What to do when someone dies
Get medical certification
A doctor (or in some cases the coroner) issues the medical certificate of cause of death. If the death has been referred to the coroner, timings for the funeral may need to flex around their process — we can talk you through what that means.
Registering a death
This is usually the first step, and needs to happen within 5 days. You can register at any register office, or your funeral director can often guide you through it. You'll be given a certificate you'll need for the next steps.
Tell relevant organisations
The government's free 'Tell Us Once' service lets you report a death to most council and central government departments in one go, including pensions and benefits.
Arrange the funeral
Choose burial or cremation, and a date and time that works for your family. You're welcome to use any funeral director, or come to us directly — see 'Arranging a funeral with us' below for what's involved.
Has your loved one left a will?
If your loved one has left a will, it might include their wishes such as if they want to be buried or cremated. Their will and other relevant papers such as grave deeds etc. may be at home, in a bank, with a solicitor or even other relatives.
Did they have a pre-paid funeral plan?
Check whether they had a prepaid funeral plan, life insurance or savings to help cover funeral costs. A prepaid plan may have already covered arrangements and recorded their wishes.
Grave ownership
If burial is planned, check whether they own a grave. Ownership usually passes to the executors, who can transfer it by completing the required forms and paying a £80 fee.
Partnership Funeral Service
The Partnership Funeral Service is available to arrange funerals for St Helens residents being cremated or buried locally. Eligibility is not based on income, and no payment is made by St Helens Borough Council.
When you're ready
Arranging a funeral with us
There's no obligation to use a particular funeral director, and our own team can guide you through burial, cremation or choosing a memorial — clearly, compassionately, and without private-provider mark-ups.
Further support
Useful links
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Register a death
When a loved one dies, you must register the death within five days of the Register Office receiving the medical certificate. This link explains the process.
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Who do I need to inform?
Losing someone is difficult. Registrars will contact the next of kin, so you do not need to make an appointment. There are also a number of people and organisations you may need to inform.
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Tell Us Once
You can use the Tell Us Once service to inform government and local government services
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Partnership Funeral Service
If you need to arrange a funeral for a St Helens resident, the Partnership Funeral Service may be able to help. Find out who is eligible and what services are available.
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Help with Funeral Costs
You may be able to get help with funeral costs through a government support scheme. Find out if you're eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment and how to apply.
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Bereavement Services & Support
Support for St Helens residents that are experiencing bereavement or loss
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Support for those bereaved by suicide
Support for St Helens residents who have been bereaved by suicide
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You don't have to work this out alone
Our bereavement team is here to support you, whatever stage you're at — even if you just have a question and nothing is decided yet.