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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…

, seek professional advice and support, for example from a GP or a local bereavement organisation such as Jigsaw or Winston's Wish Look after yourself. Only by looking after yourself can you be of support to a child. For further guidance and advice on how to talk to a child about death…

You may have to explain to a person with a learning disability that a family member has died and are concerned about their level of understanding and how to do this. Using storyboards and memory books may be a helpful way of communicating with a person with a learning disability about death and enabling them to share their feelings. ‘Access to Learning Disability Healthcare' has developed a Make a Difference Toolkit which includes information and resources on how to support people with a learning disability with end of life care and bereavement. There are also some very helpful books ‘Books Beyond Words' which can be purchased individually on death and loss of a family member. Here is information and advice as well as easy to read resources on how to help people with a learning disability deal with grief .…

Coping with bereavement is difficult when death is expected, but if the death is sudden it is even harder to deal with. A sudden death might be the result of: A murder. Road or other accident. Heart attack (which is also the second highest cause of death after cancer). Drug or alcohol o…

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).…

Cooking and shopping Contents find help with cooking and shopping meal delivery services supermarket delivery services Need help with cooking, shopping or getting meals delivered at home? You can get support with cooking, grocery deliveries, or joining a lunch club. Lunch clubs are a great way to enjoy a hot meal and meet new people. There are services across Surrey that can help. Find help with cooking and shopping You can use this website to find: meals on wheels - hot meals delivered to your home lunch clubs - enjoy a meal and social time at a local day centre community transport - get help travelling to the shops homecare agencies - some can help you prepare meals in your home You can: search by keyword enter your postcode to find services near you use filters to narrow your search - on a desktop, these are on the left. On a mobile…

Contents toilet aids and equipment help with continence find local help getting to your toilet Finding it hard to use the toilet safely or comfortably at home? You can get advice on continence, borrow or buy toilet aids, and make changes to your home to make things easier. Local services can also help you find the right equipment or support. Toilet aids and equipment If you find it hard to get on or off the toilet, there are products that can help. These can make using the toilet safer and easier. Useful products include: commodes toilet grab rails raised toilet seats smart toilets toilet frames and rails Find simple toilet equipment online Use the home equipment finder to find useful products based on your needs. You can: search by room, like bathroom, or bedroom choose your needs, like falls and mobility, or fatigue management search…