Planning a ceremony or supporting a loved one through an important life event can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help, I've put together a collection of organisations, resources and websites that I often recommend to families, couples and individuals.

Whether you're arranging a funeral, planning your wedding ceremony, welcoming a new addition to your family or simply gathering information, I hope you find these links useful.
 

Specialist Bereavement & Grief Support

AtaLoss

Website: www.ataloss.org

AtaLoss is the UK's leading bereavement signposting and information service. It helps bereaved individuals find tailored support, practical guidance, local services, counselling and specialist organisations based on their specific circumstances. It is often one of the first resources I recommend because it brings together so many forms of support in one place.

Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces

Website: Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces

Grief Kind Spaces provide informal, peer-led support for people who have experienced bereavement. These local community groups offer a welcoming environment where people can share experiences, talk openly about grief and connect with others who understand what they are going through.

Email: griefkindspaces@sueryder.org

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)

Website: www.uksobs.com

SOBS is a national charity providing specialist peer support for adults who have lost someone through suicide. Their volunteers have often experienced a similar loss themselves, creating safe, understanding spaces where people can talk openly and receive support from others who truly understand the unique challenges of this type of bereavement.

Support Line: 0300 111 5065 (daily 9am–7pm)

General Enquiries: Contact SOBS

Suicide&Co

Website: www.suicideandco.org

Suicide&Co provides professional support, counselling and practical resources for those bereaved by suicide. Their mission is to open conversations around suicide-related grief and ensure that nobody has to navigate this experience alone.

Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity)

Website: www.sands.org.uk

Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. They offer bereavement support, local groups, online communities and practical guidance for families navigating an unimaginable loss. Their resources are also invaluable for wider family members and friends wanting to support grieving parents.

Helpline: 0808 164 3332

Funeral & Bereavement Support

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse offers free bereavement support, advice and information for adults, children and young people who have experienced the death of someone close to them.

Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk

The Good Grief Trust

A national charity bringing together bereavement organisations and support services across the UK, helping people find support following a loss.

Website: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

Child Bereavement UK

Provides specialist support for families who have lost a child, as well as children and young people who have experienced the death of someone important in their lives.

Website: https://www.childbereavementuk.org

The Natural Death Centre

Provides information and guidance about funerals, environmentally friendly options and understanding your choices when arranging a funeral.

Website: https://www.naturaldeath.org.uk

Citizens Advice

Helpful guidance on registering a death, managing practical matters and understanding financial support that may be available following a bereavement.

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
 

Wedding Planning Resources

Hitched

One of the UK's largest wedding planning websites, offering venue listings, supplier directories, budgeting tools and planning inspiration.

Website: https://www.hitched.co.uk

Bridebook

A useful wedding planning platform with venue searches, checklists, budget planners and wedding inspiration.

Website: https://www.bridebook.co.uk

Rock My Wedding

A fantastic source of wedding inspiration, real weddings, styling ideas and supplier recommendations.

Website: https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk

Getting Married in England and Wales

Official government guidance on giving notice and completing the legal requirements for marriage.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships

Naming Ceremonies & Family Celebrations

Family Lives

Provides support and information for parents, carers and families at every stage of family life.

Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk

NHS Pregnancy and Baby Guide

Reliable information covering pregnancy, birth, parenting and early childhood development.

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life

End of Life Planning

Dying Matters

Encourages open conversations about death, dying and bereavement and provides practical resources for planning ahead.

Website: https://www.dyingmatters.org

Compassion in Dying

Provides free information and support around advance care planning and making future wishes known.

Website: https://compassionindying.org.uk

Marie Curie

Offers practical information and support for people living with terminal illness and those caring for them.

Website: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk

Mental Health & Emotional Support

Samaritans

Available 24 hours a day for anyone struggling to cope or needing someone to listen.

Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Mind

Provides information and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk

Hub of Hope

The UK's largest mental health support directory, helping people find local and national services.

Website: https://hubofhope.co.uk

Useful Government Services

Register a Birth

Information about registering a birth in England and Wales.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/register-birth

Register a Death

Information about registering a death and what happens next.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death

Change Your Name

Information about changing your name by deed poll.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll

Looking for Something Else?

If you're unsure where to start or would like advice about planning a ceremony, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to point people in the right direction, whether or not they choose to work with me.