Useful Numbers

Guidance When You Need It Most

At a time of loss, it can be difficult to know who to contact or where to begin.

Below is a carefully prepared guide to local and national services covering Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding areas, along with trusted organisations offering practical and emotional support.

If you are ever unsure what to do next, please contact us first.

We are here to guide you with clarity, care and reassurance - at any time.

Register Offices - To Register a Death

A death must be registered in the district where it occurred. Appointments are usually required.

Sunderland Register Office

Durham Register Office

If you would like help preparing documents or arranging an appointment, we are here to assist.

Local Hospitals - Immediate Points of Contact

Sunderland Royal Hospital

University Hospital of North Durham

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead

Hospital bereavement teams will guide you through the next steps.

Coroner Services

Sunderland and County Durham Coroner’s Service

We can liaise with the coroner on your behalf if required.

Bereavement and Emotional Support

Cruse Bereavement Support

General bereavement support and counselling

Child Bereavement UK

Support for families and children

Winston’s Wish

Support for children and young people

Child Death Helpline

Support for anyone affected by the death of a child

Samaritans

24-hour emotional support

The Compassionate Friends

Support for bereaved parents and families

Practical and Government Guidance

What to do after a death

Step-by-step government guidance

Tell us once

Notify multiple government departments in one step

Probate registry

Guidance on managing a will and estate

Human Tissue Authority

Guidance on post-mortem and tissue matters

Funeral and Independent Advice

SAIF funeral advice

Independent and impartial funeral guidance

SAIF -National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

Natural Death Centre

Advice on planning funerals and natural options

Financial and Practical Support

Citizens advice

Help with legal, financial and practical matters

Veterans UK

Support for veterans, including funeral-related assistance

Government veterans support

Financial and housing guidance

Hands cupping heart in love and relationship concept

Organ Donation

NHS organ donor register

Information and registration

We Are Here When You Need Us

If you are unsure who to contact, or would simply like guidance, please call us.

Thompson Brothers & Sons

Telephone: 0191 385 4000

Email: support@thompsonbrothersfunerals.co.uk

We are here to help - calmly, clearly and with care, whenever you need us.

We are here to guide you - one step at a time.