Arranging a Funeral

Body Donation

Under the Human Tissue Act, written consent must be given from the deceased before death. Consent cannot be given by anyone else after their death.

For more information on Organ and Tissue donation: www.organdonation.nhs.uk 0800 432 0559

Arranging a Funeral

You may already know which Funeral Director you would like to use. You can contact them at any time to inform them of your loss and to begin to make arrangements.

The Funeral Director will advise you on registration of death and discuss forms and certificates involved, as well as making necessary arrangements. They can arrange for the notice of death to be announced in the local newspapers.

Further Information: • Any local websites or local media

• National Association of Funeral Directors

Tel: 0121 711 1343 www.nafd.org.uk

• The British Institute of Funeral Directors 0800 032 2733 www.bifd.org.uk

• The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors 0345 230 6777 www.saif.org.uk

Funeral Costs

You can ask for an estimate of costs in advance and if you would like, you can ask other Funeral Directors for quotes so that you can compare prices. Most Funeral Directors will give you a price list on request, including flowers, notices in local papers, church and crematorium fees and memorials. They will also be happy to discuss specific wishes that your loved one or you may have for the funeral.

If death occurred away from home you may contact one of your local Funeral Directors who will arrange for your loved one to be transferred back to their home area.

Independent Funeral Arrangements

You may not wish to involve a Funeral Director. Please see below a list of organisations that can help make alternative arrangements.

The Natural Death Centre

This organisation publishes a guide to making your own funeral arrangements and planning green funerals. In The Hill House Watley Lane Twyford Winchester, SO21 1QX 01962 712 690 www.naturaldeath.org.uk

Burial and Cremation Services (Harrogate Borough Council)

will give you advice and support if you wish to arrange your own service or ceremony. Bereavement Services Manager Stonefall Cemetery Harrogate, HG3 1DE 01423 883523 www.harrogate.gov.uk/info/20194/bereavements 8

Your loved one may have left instructions on their wishes after death and the type of funeral they would like. Such instructions may concern cremation or burial (whether in a graveyard, green burial site or woodland), religious or non-religious service and any information about who might conduct the service.

If no plans have been made then it is for the Executor of the Will or the nearest relative to decide.

There are varying types of service which can be arranged for your loved one. The Funeral Directors will be available to guide and help you with the decisions you need to make.

Financial Support

If you receive a means tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions or Working/Child Tax Credits, you may be entitled to some assistance for the burial or cremation of your relative.

For further advice contact: Department for Work and Pensions Bereavement Service helpline 0800 731 0469 www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

The adviser will be able to help you claim for funeral payments or any other benefits you may be entitled to.

You may also qualify for Bereavement Support Payment if you are under State Pension Age and are the spouse or civil partner of the deceased.

You do not have to be in receipt of a means tested benefit to qualify for Bereavement Support Payment.

www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment