End of Life

Page updated October 2021

Due to the ongoing pandemic, information and advice is subject to change.

End of Life of a loved one

Dealing with the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things we have to go through in life. To keep everyone safe from the coronavirus, the very sick and dying may not have their family around them and funerals may be restricted and conducted differently.  

Registering a death 

  1. Some death registrations in Southend will now take place over the phone contact
    Southend: 01702 215009   
  2. Instead of the family having to collect the medical certificate of death, hospital and community doctors will now send this electronically to the Registrars offices. 
  3. Payments for the certificates will be taken by phone and the death certificate will be posted to the family. They will not be sent electronically. (Death Certificate £11.00 each.) 
  4. The Registrar’s Certificate of Burial or Cremation (The Green Form) will be issued electronically to the Funeral Director and Crematorium/Cemetery.  This will allow the funeral director to proceed with the funeral arrangements. 

Arranging a funeral 

Burial and cremation are both still options and this remains a matter of individual choice. This is particularly important for some faith communities. 

It is not advised to delay the funeral.  There is also the option of holding a memorial service at a later date when restrictions have been fully lifted. 

Where possible the funeral service may be streamed online, allowing family that are self-isolating or who are unable to attend a chance to watch the service. You may create a service sheet which can be shared with everyone.  You could invite friends to write down their thoughts and memories which could be read out.  

  • Please see the following click here for further suggestions on organising a meaningful funeral.

Bereavement  

  • Coronavirus Crisis Bereavement Line 01702 220 321 – Lines are open Monday – Sunday 9am to 6pm. 

Developed by Havens Hospices Wellbeing team.  A telephone helpline for bereaved adults and children whose loved one has died directly or indirectly as a result of Coronavirus. 

Both those who experience loss as a consequence to COVID-19, or loss through another cause may experience increased trauma and may be cut off from some of their usual support network. 

Several UK bereavement charities and organisations offer guidance, advice, and support to deal with bereavement during this pandemic, both the practical and psychological aspects. 

When you are bereaved you should stay in touch with other people, however because of the virus this needs to be by telephone, video, and online. 


Further information