Bereavement Services: Support to Help Through Difficult Times

I came across the National Bereavement Service whilst I was trying to find answers to questions I had as I navigated the role of being the sole Executor of my late relative’s estate. Information I had found on other websites was conflicting and I was becoming more and more daunted and overwhelmed with it all. After finding the NBS website, I sent an email asking my question and I had a reply the next morning. Jean answered my question clearly and in great detail, giving me all the relevant information I needed. Thoroughly pleased and impressed with Jean’s reply both professionally and by her personal and approachable manner, I asked another question and again she replied promptly answering my question in detail. I can’t begin to explain the relief I felt by finally having the information I needed. Jean was amazing and I’m reassured knowing that both now and at any time in the future this wonderful resource is here to help me. 100% recommend

I have just spoken to a lovely lady at the NBS and she has put my mind at rest. I applied for probate eight and a half years ago on my Dad’s Estate and have been worried that I might have done it incorrectly all this time or that I should have done certain things by certain deadlines. Dad and Mum were tenants in common so Dad’s part of the estate is still on hold until Mum either passes or sells. Mum is wanting to sell her house now and come and live with me so it has brought it all back to the forefront. I have had weeks and weeks of sleepless nights worrying that I had not done it correctly and this kind lady let me jabber on whilst she stayed calm and kind. I repeated myself and tied myself in knots but she just maintained a caring and helpful approach throughout and, it appears that I might have done things correctly after all. Please don’t worry like I did, phone NBS and be reassured and guided by them.

“I support the bereaved within my own work, however it is immensely reassuring that when I come to a hurdle or an area outside of my knowledge that the National Bereavement Service are there to support both myself and the bereaved person I am working with. They are always prompt in their communication with me and in picking up referrals and I am assured they have the knowledge and skills to support with a range of things, including the complexities of probate and legal issues which can be a huge a source of anxiety for a lot of bereaved people.

Having this service is immensely valuable and I cannot praise it enough.”

“My father recently died quite suddenly on an air ambulance in U.K. Airspace. What ensued was a protracted legal tangle between the U.K. and Germany as to who was responsible to register my fathers death due to a conflict of laws. The NBS was a true life saver as they have a legal panel with access to specialist counsel for unique cases such as this. Before I found NBS, I had spoken to half a dozen other charities in the field as well as numerous government offices all to no avail. Thanks to the NBS locating me an expert solicitor team, I was able to get my fathers death successfully registered and a death certificate issued. We can now begin the rest of the process to settle his affairs. I wish I had found NBS much earlier on as it would have saved months of stress. They should be your first thought when someone close passes away. I am so thankful that they take the practical support so seriously as most charities focus on counselling and the emotional aspect only. NBS truly does it all!”

“My mother died recently of natural causes, which has taken a while to register with us as a family.

There have been several practicalities to deal with, such as the management of her estate, for which we needed guidance. The NBS was able to advise on conveyancing, connecting us with Adroit Legal Services’ panel of solicitors through which we were able to hire an expert who has supported us every step of the way.

The NBS’s helpline and its network of partners is a brilliant resource, and I would recommend it to other people going through similar circumstances.”

“When my brother was killed, it was extremely traumatic for our entire family. We were in a great sense of shock and in need of support to progress all the practical elements associated with his death.

The NBS team explained the probate process clearly and concisely and helped us find a solicitor when we were overwhelmed with options. In the months that have followed, we’ve received an extremely helpful, excellent service from the homicide team and legal teams who work in partnership with the NBS.

I would highly recommend their service. Anyone who uses it will not be disappointed when it comes to advice, efficiency and professionalism.”

“My wife died earlier this year, following a short illness. Her passing changed our entire family dynamic and left our children feeling very unsettled.

We were all struggling to get through the day, so I reached out to the NBS via its online chat function. The advisor was extremely helpful, supportive and comforting and was able to signpost me to both free and paid for counselling services. They were so attentive to our needs, even following up with me the day after to see how we were all doing.

That listening ear, as well as the advice on how to seek the appropriate professional help for my loved ones, was invaluable. I really felt like someone cared at a time when I felt so alone.”

“During an undoubtedly challenging time, I reached out to the National Bereavement Service and was fortunate enough to speak with a lady named Jean. Her compassion, understanding, and practical guidance were immediately reassuring. Without pressure or obligation, Jean provided me with valuable advice and useful links, guiding me away from big corporates that merely wanted my money and towards more reasonable options.

Upon her recommendation, I consulted with James Shingleton of Brearleys Solicitors, a solicitor known for his knowledge, professionalism, and better pricing compared to larger firms. James was thoroughly on the ball, promptly providing me with the information I needed to move forward. I felt entirely comfortable entrusting him with the task of applying for the Letter of Administration (probate). His suggestion for an asset search further proved invaluable, ensuring that all assets in my late brother’s estate were known to me.

The service offered by the National Bereavement Service, particularly Jean’s assistance, was nothing short of excellent. They provided the support, guidance, and professional connections I needed, making a complex process far more manageable. Their integrity and empathy are highly commendable, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services.”

“Thanks so much for the training sessions that you delivered on Tuesday. The Customer Service ladies have given great feedback about the usefulness of the information, the way it was delivered and the excellent slides and handouts. They all have said that they feel much more confident and comfortable when speaking to bereaved people now, which is great! Most importantly, I am confident that our customers will feel listened to and better supported when they contact us. It’s a win-win!

Thanks again for everything, we really appreciate it.”