What To Do In The Event Of A Death

Everything you need to know

The death of a family member or friend can be a very distressing and emotional time. We understand that it can be hard knowing quite what to do next, that it’s difficult thinking about administrative procedures and paperwork. So we have prepared an easy, step by step guide for you to follow which includes all the contacts and details you will need.

First Steps

Different actions need to be taken depending on whether death occurs at home, in a care home/hospice, in the hospital or in a pubic location such as a Hotel. Here we guide you through the different scenarios explaining what you need to think about and who you need to contact.

When to Call the Funeral Director

It’s always good to be prepared. Here we give some advice on when to start making preparations with your Funeral Director.

Registering a Death

You need to contact the Registrar in order to report a death. Here we provide clear information on who can do this as well as the documents and information you will need to register a death.

Arranging a funeral for a child

We can arrange a beautiful funeral for £300. Here are all the details and information you will need to arrange a funeral for a child.

“Tell us Once” Registration Service

This is a very useful service run by the government which saves you a lot of time and effort by informing many agencies in one go. Here we explain how the service works and how to use it.

Useful Contacts

Here we provide a list of useful contacts such as Registrar Offices and the Coroner’s Service.

How to proceed

If you wish to talk to one of our funeral arrangers about our services or any other issue then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

01702 436000 Contact us online Build A Custom Quote

Testimonials

Thank you so much for the way you dealt with my husband Dennis’ funeral. It was done with great dignity and respect and for your kindness!

Mandi Martin - October 2018

A very professional family run business who were very understanding and kind and nothing was too much trouble. They immediately alleviated any worries and concerns I had and arranged for a lovely celebrant Laura Manvell to conduct the Celebration of Life, who was probably one of the sweetest ladies on this earth I have ever met.

Julie Adkins - February 2024

To all at Penrose. We as a family can’t thank you enough for the service you gave to my late mum Lesley Martin. From the moment she came into your care you made sure she was looked after,the funeral was wonderful we are truly great full for everything you had done. Thank you xx

Sarah and family - March 2025

I really can’t thank the team at Penrose enough for the beautiful funeral they managed for my dear husband Fred. Especially Nathan for helping us plan the day with such care and dignity.

I met Nathan’s dad Jeremy for the first time when he arrived with the cortege to collect us from home. Immediately I felt totally at ease with this charming charismatic gentleman leading the service perfectly from begining to end.

Thank you so much

from Georgie

Georgina Bateman - February 2020

To Penrose Funerals,

Thank you for taking excellent care of our dad Greg. You made a hard time easier with your kindness and your kindness and generosity meant so much. You made the day run smoothly and a special thank you to Jeremy and the staff on the 6th of October.

Forever Grateful

Gregory Hall’s daughters, son and family - 10th October 2022

To all the staff at Penrose Funeral Services,

Thank you all so much for being so helpful and kind at a very difficult time. Keep up the excellent, friendly service.

Kind regards

Sonia and family - May 2018

WOW…What an amazing team!

Thank you Brendon and Kevin for your sympathy, kindness and compassion when you took Cliff into Penrose’ care.

Thank you Nathan for arranging the funeral, it was perfect in every way.

Thank you Jeremy for completing the Order of Service and for leading the funeral in such a respectful, dignified and professional manner. We cannot express how much this meant to us as a family.

Thank you Edward and Paul for your support, respect and kindness on the day of the funeral. Edward, you offered your coat to our mum as she looked cold and Paul, you were so kind talking about the dogs outside our house before we left, the dogs were a big part of Cliff and are so important to the family, so this gave us comfort knowing that they had been recognised.

We have no hesitation in recommending your services to our family and friends.

All of you made a very sad day more bearable. We sincerely THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts,

Kindest wishes

Carole, Darren and Ruth Wingrove - January 2020

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