Resources

The Bereavement Service holds a library of resources and can provide a wide range of information for bereaved people and professionals. These cover many different topics, formats and target groups. Some of the main resources we recommend are listed below. Copies of these may be available from the Bereavement Service or can be downloaded from the links below. Please contact us to find out about other resources, or for more information. 

Resources are grouped under the following headings:

General

Title Description Author
When someone has died - information for you
When someone has died - information for you has been translated in the following languages:

Arabic, Chinese, Polish, and Urdu

When someone has died - information for you - Large Print version

When someone has died - information for you - Audio version 		A short, simple booklet containing advice and information on practical matters that need to be dealt with when someone dies – registering the death, arranging the funeral, etc - and also a section on thoughts, feelings, and sources of further support. NHS Scotland
What to do after a death in Scotland...practical advice for times of bereavement (9th Edition) A booklet containing more detailed information about what to do after someone dies in Scotland, including information about succession and inheritance law. Scottish Government
Talking about bereavement A self-help booklet containing information about the emotional and psychological aspects of grief. NHS Health Scotland
Understanding bereavement A booklet to help people facing the loss of someone close to understand what to expect from themselves and others. It provides information about how to cope, and what support is available. Mind (Please note: Mind’s services cover England and Wales only)
  Click to download the Understanding bereavement booklet in English
Click to download the Understanding bereavement booklet in Arabic
Click to download the Understanding bereavement booklet in Bengali
Click to download the Understanding bereavement booklet in French
Click to download the Understanding bereavement booklet in Turkish		  
Bereavement A leaflet about the emotional and psychological aspects of bereavement and grief. Royal College of Psychiatrists
  Click to download the Bereavement leaflet in English
Click to download the Bereavement leaflet in Chinese		  


Parents

Title Description Author
The Rainbow Pack A series of leaflets to help parents and carers following the death of a child. NHS Lothian
 

When a child dies in hospital
How to register a child's death
Arranging a child's funeral
Help with funeral costs
Bereavement
Book list
Useful contacts

  
When a baby dies A booklet for parents bereaved by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Child Bereavement Charity
Death of a child A booklet for parents bereaved by the death of a child (at any age), including personal accounts from bereaved parents. Child Bereavement Charity
Understanding bereaved children and young people A booklet for families and professionals who support them explaining how children and young people respond to death, and how to help them cope. Child Bereavement Charity
Bereavement: helping parents and children cope when someone close to them dies A leaflet for parents explaining how children and young people respond to death and suggesting ways to help them come to terms with grief and bereavement. Understanding Childhood
Death in the family: helping children to cope A factsheet for parents and teachers explaining how children respond to death, how to help them cope, and warning signs to look out for that indicate professional help may be needed. Royal College of Psychiatrists
  Click to download the Death in the Family booklet in English
Click to download the Death in the Family booklet in Arabic		  

Children and young people

Title Description Author
When someone dies: how to cope when someone dear to you is gone A leaflet for young people (aged 8-12) giving advice on coping with the loss of someone close. This leaflet is not available online, as the subject matter may cause distress to children who are not affected by bereavement. However, copies are available from the Bereavement Service and NHS Health Scotland. NHS Health Scotland
After someone dies A leaflet about death, bereavement and grief for young people (teenagers). Cruse Bereavement Care Youth Involvement Project

Older people

Title Description Author
Bereavement. Support after a death
 A self-help booklet for older people including information on practical matters and thoughts and feelings associated with bereavement.

Age UK 

(formerly Help the Aged /
Age Concern)

People with learning disabilities

Title Description Author
Let's Talk About Death A booklet about death and funerals for adults who have a learning disability. Down’s Syndrome Scotland
Coping with loss - for people with Down's syndrome, parents and carers. Unfortunately this fact-sheet is no longer online. However, copies are available from the Bereavement Service and Down's Syndrome Scotland. Down’s Syndrome Scotland

People bereaved by suicide

Title Description Author
After a suicide A booklet for people bereaved as a result of suicide. It provides practical information and suggests coping strategies, and also includes details of agencies which might be able to help. Scottish Association for Mental Health

People bereaved by overdose

Title Description Author
Overdose: Bereavement. What Happens Now? This booklet is aimed at family and friends of an individual who has died of a suspected overdose. It explains some of the procedures that can take place after an overdose, coping with grief, and sources of additional help. Scottish Government

Information about post-mortem examinations

Title Description Author
Post-Mortem Examination of an Adult. Basic information leaflet An information leaflet designed to give basic information about a post mortem examination in a simple question and answer format. NHS Scotland
Post-Mortem Examination of an Adult. Advanced information leaflet. An information leaflet designed to give more detailed information about a post mortem examination, including options for the retention and disposal of organs. NHS Scotland
Post-Mortem Examination of Baby or Child. Basic information leaflet. An information leaflet designed to give basic information about a post mortem examination in a simple question and answer format. NHS Scotland
Post-Mortem Examination of Baby or Child. Advanced information leaflet An information leaflet designed to give more detailed information about a post mortem examination, including options for the retention and disposal of organs. NHS Scotland

​ 

Last Reviewed: 29/03/2012
Due to be Reviewed: 29/03/2013