Death & Grief

Death will become a larger part of our life as we age, learning how to grieve and the process of death will help us as we lose important people through our lives.

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Dealing with the death of a loved one

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Practical tasks when your loved one dies

There are may practical things as a loved one or an executor you need to do when someone dies; organise the funeral, apply for probate, execute the will, claim on insurances, close accounts and social media.

Digital store

View an example of a digital store which details out your assets, bills and social media wishes.

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Continuing your loved ones legacy

When someone you love dies you may decide to continue their legacy. You can raise money for a cause they were passionate about, promote their story to inspire others either publicly or in the family or continue a business or hobby they loved.

3

Coping with grief

Every persons experience and journey of grief is different. The stages of death are rarely linear and the belief you will 'get over death' is an outdated concept that most people realise is not a reality, a more helpful way to view grief is something that you become more accustomed to.

In this guide

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Jargon buster

Intestate

When a person dies without having a will.

Digital legacy

The legacy you leave online, which cover photos, social media presence, play lists, online art NFT's.

Estate

All of your assets, not just your physical home.

Legal guardian

The person or persons you entrust to look after your children if under 18, once you are gone.

Beneficiary

The person or persons who will receive any assets that are covered in the will.

Generativity

Participating in activities that will benefit younger generations as a way of ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

Digital store

A secure place to store key documents and information if you are ill or pass away. Access to the store will be given to your executors or power of attorneys.

Death in service benefits

This is Life insurance from your employer and it is usually salary indexed, for example 4 times your salary. It is a benefit many larger firms offer, you can find out from your HR department whether your package covers it.

Executor

A person who is named in the will to undertake probate.

Probate

Applying for the legal right to deal with someone's property, money and possessions (their 'estate') when they die is called 'applying for probate'.

Book reviews

The Well-lived Life by Lyndsey Green

Links to the book review

The book about getting older by Dr Lucy Pollock

Links to the book review

Why has no one told me this before? by Dr Julie Smith

Links to the book review

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Links to the book review

The End in Mind by Kathryn Mannix

Links to the book review

The Madness of Grief by Reverend Richard Coles

Links to the book review

Tools & Resources

Help with death & grief

NHS grief resources

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Preparing for end of life

Compassion for dying is an organisation that helps prepare for end of life; 'how to talk about it, plan for it, and record your wishes.'

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Good Grief Trust

The Good Grief Trust vision is to help those bereaved from day one, acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.

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Refuge in Grief

Created by Morgan Devine, a grief advocate and psychotherapist refuge in grief is an online community and resource that helps people survive some of the hardest experiences of their lives.

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Help with tasks when a loved one dies

Registering a death

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Telling Government agencies

Tell us once is a way to tell a lot of Government departments that someone has passed.

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Arranging a funeral

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