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A person with a learning disability may need support to talk about death and dying or to make important decisions around their own end of life care. They may need additional help, specific to their communication needs, to ask questions and to make sure their wishes and preferences are recorded. ​A person with a learning disability in your family may also be involved in providing end of life care. Marie Curie has developed a number of easy read booklets that will help a person with a learning disability talk about death and provide support to someone with a terminal illness. For more information about talking with people with learning disabilities and end of life planning Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne talks further at Tuffrey-Wijne . …

and friends have any special wishes? Using a funeral director Using a good funeral director will make the whole process of organising a funeral that much easier. It can be helpful to have their expert guidance as well as their comforting support at such a difficult time. The funeral director can remove… distressing so see if there is someone who can be with you too. Children attending the funeral It is sometimes difficult to know how to support a child in the family when you may be struggling to cope with your own feelings. However, it is important that children have the opportunity to express…, the child may express disappointment at not being able to say goodbye at the funeral. Have an alternative ceremony if your child chooses not to go. This could be scattering the person’s ashes, planting a tree or letting off a balloon with a message on it. Provide support during the funeral. Make…

Here grief is explored, as well as how you might be feeling and the importance of looking after yourself. How to support others in the family and deal with a sudden death is also covered. Grief is a normal reaction to losing a loved one, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. You also shouldn't assume you will experience grief, especially when the person you cared for has suffered or had a very drawn-out death. In this situation, we can often feel a sense of relief. To hear about people's different grief responses watch this video. Remember, you cannot fix grief or remove it in some way. Grief is often described as a process or in terms of stages. There are 5 stages of grief . You may experience all of these stages or only some. You may experience them in a different order. Crying is a normal reaction to losing someone you cared about. It is a natural way…

It is very important that you take care of yourself while grieving. A crucial way of doing this is to allow yourself to talk about the person you cared for and how you are feeling. Think about whom you feel most comfortable talking to, for example, a close friend, another family member, a faith leader, a health or social care professional, or a support organisation. There is a useful list of do's and don'ts in terms of looking after your own emotional wellbeing . Don't ignore your physical wellbeing. You may not feel like eating in the early stages of grieving, or you may not feel like cooking and just want to eat ‘comfort' foods. This is quite normal. Try and remember that you need to try and eat as healthily as you can and that there's lots of information around to help you with this. You may have problems sleeping , in which case talk to your GP. You can also try exercising…

Death by suicide is particularly distressing for relatives for the following reasons: It is hard to take on board the level of despair and hopelessness that led to the person you cared for killing themselves. Maybe you feel you ought to have ‘spotted the signs' and feel guilty you didn't do more to prevent suicide. You may be constantly asking yourself ‘what if…' There is a stigma attached to suicide. Other relatives and friends may view the suicide as a ‘selfish' act, or feel it conflicts with their religion or values. There will be police involvement leading to a coroner's inquest, which is lengthy, distressing, and can cause funeral delay. There may be media interest, which can be very intrusive. It can make it difficult to find the space to deal with the emotional impact such a death is having on you. For further information and advice on how to cope see Support…

such as read a book, go for a walk, or see family and friends. For more information on local support to take a break see Action for Carers .…

If you have been caring for a number of years you may be feeling very isolated and would like to link up with other former carers in a similar situation. Contact your local hospice to find out about support groups for former carers, or contact Action for Carers in Surrey. You can also speak to former carers on the Carers UK Forum . How about returning to an interest or hobby, or perhaps learning a new skill? There may be some courses and training in your area. You may also find it a great way to meet new people with similar interests. During your caring role, you will have gained new skills which you may feel you want to put to good use. This could be through volunteering . Alternatively, you can contact your borough's social prescribing service to find out about local volunteer opportunities. Some former carers are keen to put the skills and knowledge they have acquired during…

There are benefits available to help with the costs when somebody dies. You might be able to get help to pay for the funeral of a partner, close relative, close friend, or child. You must be responsible for the funeral and you must meet certain criteria, including being in receipt of certain benefits. If your husband, wife, or civil partner has died you might be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment, but only if they died on or after 6 April 2017. Seek advice if you were not married to your partner and they have died as this has been contested in the courts. You need to have been… won’t get the lump sum, but you will get any remaining monthly payments due. See Bereavement Support Payment (GOV.UK).…

and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. ChildLine: 0800 1111 - a 24 hour private and confidential helpline for children Samaritans: 116 123 - a 24 hour emotional support helpline (free to call) Sane Emotional Support: 0845 767 8000 - provides crisis support (6pm to 11pm 7 days a week) Mental Health Crisis helpline (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust): Telephone: 0300 456 8342 SMS : 07717 989 8342 Textphone (via Text Relay): 18001 0300 456 8342 If you have a question you can contact Connect to Support…

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) runs a range of groups and courses to support adults across Surrey.…