This information is for families, friends and carers who have lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been produced by a number of local organisations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, working together during the pandemic, including your council, the Police, coroner’s office, NHS, faith leaders, and local funeral, crematoria and burial services. We work together as the Local Resilience Partnership.
You can also download this document on Bereavement information for families, friends and carers during the coronavirus pandemic
Registering a death
You can only register a death over the telephone - please do not visit the registration office in person.
When a loved one dies, the doctor will send the 'Medical Certificate of Cause of Death' (MCCD) to the relevant registration service.
The registration service will call you, to make arrangements to register the death.
The registrar will register the death, then issue the 'Green Form' (Form 9) for burial or cremation directly to your chosen burial authority.
They will also send a copy to your chosen funeral director.
Certificates
The registrar will ask you how many death certificates you would like.
Each certificate costs £11 - please have your credit or debit card ready to pay for the certificates.
The registrar will then post the certificates out to you.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a service which notifies other government departments, for example the DVLA and DWP, that a person has died.
If you would like to use this service, the registrar will ask you for some information so this can happen.
Deaths referred to the Coroner
If the death is referred to the Coroner, we will contact you when the paperwork has been released and arrange the appointment to register by telephone as above.
Alternative Informants
Funeral Directors are allowed to act as informants to register a death, but we would prefer it to be a member of the family.
Telephone numbers
Rutland: 01572 758380
Leicestershire: 0116 305 6565
Leicester City: 0116 454 1000
Funerals
The number of people who can attend a funeral has been restricted.
This is to help keep people as safe as possible.
The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) website gives answers to some frequently asked questions about funerals at this time, and also other information bereaved families may find helpful.
For family members and friends who are unable to attend the funeral, it may be helpful to think about alternative ways to remember the person who has died.
Quaker Action has some good suggestions on their website, such as using social media to hold a virtual service.
Bereavement support
There are a number of local and national organisations and groups that offer support to bereaved people:
Rutland Information Service - our online service directory has information about local support groups for the bereaved
Oakham Team Ministry Bereavement Support - All Saints has a team of trained and commissioned volunteers who offer home visits to the bereaved. This service is open to those of all faiths or none living in the Oakham Team Ministry. You can get in touch by completing the form on their website.
LOROS Bereavement and counselling service - one to one and group counselling and telephone helpline: 0116 231 3771
Thorpe Hall - Sue Ryder - one to one and group counselling and support. T: 01733 225 900 or email: thorpehall@sueryder.org
Cruse - a national organisation with both local and national support available. They offer a range of free confidential support for adults and children. Please note there can be a waiting list.
Grief Chat - online support for bereavement people between 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
National Bereavement Service - provides practical advice on all aspects of bereavement.T: 08000 246121 email info@thenbs.co.uk
Good Grief Trust- signposts to other useful information for people who are bereaved.
Mind - information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.
At a loss - website for the bereaved.
Supporting children following a bereavement:
The NHS has a helpful guide on how to talk to young children.
Winston's Wish - information, advice and guidance on supporting bereaved children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak.
Child Bereavement UK - guidance and information to help support people.
Grief Encounter
Resources
Jack Plans Ahead for Coronavirus - a guide for families and carers
Keeping in touch - when you can't be with someone who is so ill that they might die
Cruse Bereavement pack - Offering advice, support and information for bereavement
Stay Well Self-Isolation pack - advice on staying well whilst self isolating
