Practical Support

When someone you love dies, it can feel very sad and confusing—even if you knew it was going to happen. On top of feeling upset, there are also lots of things you might need to do, and that can feel like too much.

It’s normal to feel confused or not know what to do after someone dies. We have made a simple checklist to help you. It shows what to do in the first few days and weeks, like who you need to tell about the death. (LINK to EOL Section on DEATH)

One way to make things easier after someone you love has died is to get help with everyday tasks. This can give you more time and space to deal with your feelings and the things that need to be done.

After someone dies, it can be hard to keep up with jobs around the house and garden. Getting help with cleaning and gardening can make things easier. It takes away some stress and helps you focus on feeling better.

These services can help keep the home safe and tidy. Cleaning and garden help can also get the home ready to sell or pass on, which is often needed after someone dies and regular visits give the home a lived-in look, which reduces the risk of it being targeted by thieves.

Having this support can bring a bit of routine and calm during a very difficult time.

Green Tick (LINK)
Guide to buying in services (LINK)

Losing someone who helped care for you can make things feel even harder.

If your carer has died and there are no plans in place for your care, it’s important to tell someone—like the Council—as soon as you can. You might not get help straight away, so you could think about using a private care service for now.

You should also:

Talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Bereavement support can help.
Check that you are getting the right benefits. This can help with money worries

The Leeds Directory has a list of trusted care services. It also has a care cost calculator to help you see if you can get help paying for care.

Clearing a house after someone can bring up strong feelings and take a lot of time and energy. Getting help from a house clearance service can make things easier. They can help you sort through everything quickly and with care.

Whether you want to give things to charity, sell them, or throw them away, the service will make sure it’s all done with respect and is properly done.

Leeds Directory lists waste removal services which are checked by Leeds City Councils. These services are local, legal and safe.

Going back to work after someone you love has died can be hard. Everyone feels grief in their own way, so it is good to be honest with your boss about how you’re feeling.

Some workplaces have a bereavement policy. This tells you what support you can get, like time off or changes to your hours. If you’re not sure if your work has one, it’s okay to ask.
There are different ways to return to work. You can talk to your boss about what might work best for you. These include:

A gradual return to work, known as a phased return
Working longer hours over fewer days, known as compressed working
Reducing your hours for a set period, or being able to work from home, known as flexible working.

Although the final decision about how you return to work lies with them, it can be helpful to have an idea about what your preference would be.

The ACAS helpline is for anyone who needs employment law or workplace advice, including employers, employees and workers.

When someone close to you dies, like your husband, wife, or civil partner, money can become a worry. You might feel unsure about how you will pay for things such as the cost of the funeral or your regular bills.

You might be able to get benefits and financial support when someone close to you dies. This depends on your situation and if you meet certain criteria.

You might need help with sorting out bills and payments, especially if this is your first time. View a lists of local and national groups that can help you on our website.

Keep in mind that it is illegal to access a deceased person's bank account without proper authorization, even if you previously had power of attorney. Make sure that you are a proper person before doing anything with someone’s money and assets.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Try to do one small thing at a time. This can help you feel less stressed. Also, you don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or support services.

Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way to help people feel better in their body and mind.
It connects people with local services that can give support.

You might be linked to a bereavement group, a befriending service, or activities to help with loneliness.
You can also get help with money worries, benefits, or housing problems.

Everyone is different, so the support is made to fit your needs.
It can help you feel less alone and more in control, especially after someone close has died.

In Leeds, social prescribing services are provided by Linking Leeds. You can contact Linking Leeds yourself, or you can ask your GP (doctor) to help you get started.

Last updated: 25/06/2025

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