2 August 2021

Coping with Bereavement

Experiencing the loss of someone close to us through death is an inevitable part of life but that does not make it any easier when we experience it. Adjusting to life without the person who has died takes time usually more time than we realise. Eventually most people are able to make these adjustments and look forward. There are many bereavement support contacts for those who need extra help. You can also listen to our podcast on bereavement below with Racing TV Broadcaster Lydia Hislop, Jockey Development Manager Joe Fohley-Corah and Grief Counsellor Karen Burgess who talk honestly about the effects of grief as well as offering their coping strategies.

Practical Advice

It can be a confusing time following a death and difficult to know what you need to do first, especially if this is the first time you are experiencing it. There are many procedures that will need to be undertaken.

If the death has happened unexpectedly, you should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance and police immediately.
If the death is expected then you should contact the deceased’s GP or the nearest doctor.
One of the first things that needs to happen when someone has died is for the death to be registered. The death must be registered by the registrar, within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and within 8 days in Scotland. Delays due to the involvement of a coroner are not usually counted within these time frames.

For more information visit Gov.uk for a step-by-step guide on what to do when someone dies.

Get Support Now

Racing Welfare’s 24 hour support line enables people to access support and
guidance through digital and telephone options.

Call us on 0800 6300 443

Do not hestitate to contact us – you are never alone.

You can also get in touch with the National Chaplain for the Horseracing Industry. All racing staff have access to support from the National Chaplain to Horseracing, regardless of their religious beliefs, or lack of them.