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

Dear Jeremy and all the amazing staff at Penrose,

From myself and the rest of the family I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all that you have done for us at this incredibly difficult time. We will be eternally grateful for the respect and care you showed my dad – Alan Holmes – during his time with you, and for allowing our final precious moments spent with him.

Furthermore, your kindness and compassion made this challenging process much less painful. It is impossible to fully express our gratefulness in words.

Thank you so very, very much!

With love

Natalie and the Holmes family - Sept 2024

Dear Nathan, my sister and I would like to thank you for all your help and advice after my dear mum, Joyce, passed away. The day was beautifully conducted by your staff and we are so thankful for that. The service sheet was so lovely, please thank your father for that.

- January 2017

Thank you all so much for everything you have done for us and for max.

Love

Sam, Em and families - September 2022

Dear all at Penrose,

we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude in how you helped our family sort out and deal with the difficult process of arranging my late mother, Susan Johnson’s, funeral.

Your kindness, compassion and respect for the family, and how you delicately handled the coffin, was noticed by all.

Many thanks,

The Johnson Family - December 2021

Thank you so much to everyone for all your help and looking after Lee so very well.

Thank you also for the best sendoff.

Much appreciated

Sheila and Family - September 2023

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

To Nathan, Jeremy and staff,

Thank you so much for the care and kindness you showed with the planning of Mick’s funeral. We knew he was in good hands and appreciated the respect that was given to him.

Kindest regards

Linda and the White-Miller family - July 2020

…and I wish to thank both Jeremy and Nathan for your help and courteousness throughout

Judith Hill - June 2017

Read all testimonials