First steps
There are a number of things you need to know or think about before the funeral takes place. Again, we are here to help.
Registering a death
The first thing you need to do is to register the person's death. This means arranging an appointment with the relevant registrar in the district where the death occurred.
In Gateshead the Registrar Office is based within Gateshead Civic Centre. Full details of how to register a death, the paperwork you need to bring with you and other details can be found on the Registrar Office web page.
Looking after your loved one
The deceased will be taken from their place of death and transported to our chapel of rest, located at our premises in Saltwell Park, Gateshead
We can provide an embalming service if you wish. Embalming delays the natural processes that happen after a death and should be considered if you wish to visit the person at the chapel of rest.
We wash and dress everyone in our care. If you would like to provide a favourite outfit for your loved one please let us know. Alternatively, we can provide a simple shroud.
Spending time with the deceased
Some people find that spending time with the deceased helps with the grieving process and may wish to place personal items in the coffin. Others may find it upsetting - the choice is personal.
Telling others about the death
You may want to put an announcement in a local newspaper to inform people about the death and give them details of the funeral. We can help you with this if you require.
Telling a few close friends and family members about the death and asking them to pass on the details is another way to get the message out without having to contact everyone yourself.
It is also possible to place a thank you message in a newspaper to thank those who attended the funeral and left donations or flowers.
Making arrangements
Please see our making arrangements page for details on choosing a funeral package.
