Grief Has No Schedule Neither Does Our Support

In the days, weeks and months after a funeral, the weight of loss can feel heavier rather than lighter and it is in those quieter moments that support matters most. HL Hawes & Son remains alongside the families we serve for as long as they need us.

Our family team has walked gently alongside local families through times of loss since 1847

In over 175 years of serving the communities of Barkingside, Chingford, and surrounding areas, we have learned that healing takes time and continues long after the funeral service. The focus required to plan the day, gather together, and manage immediate tasks often carries you through the first few weeks. It is often only when the quiet returns that the true reality of your loss unfolds.

We are here to support you in those quiet moments. You will always find a familiar face, a team that remembers your loved one’s name, and an office door that is always open. Whether you need gentle guidance, a comforting listening ear, or simply want to discover what local support is available, please reach out to us at any time.

We know that the journey through loss doesn’t end once the funeral service is over; in many ways, the real process of healing begins in the quiet moments that follow.

Grief is deeply personal and doesn’t follow a set schedule —it often resurfaces in the days, weeks, and months after the final farewell. This is why our family business is committed and passionate about our post-funeral support. Whether you are looking for trusted bereavement care, help with meaningful keepsakes, or practical assistance on estate resources, we are here to offer genuine compassion, guidance and a listening ear.

Grief Booklet

We have collaborated with Dr. Bill Webster, a leading expert in bereavement care, to offer his insightful Grief booklet as a free resource. This booklet provides practical help and guidance for understanding grief and offers a sense of comfort and assistance in the days ahead. A member of out team would be happy to provide you with a copy.

Local bereavement support

We work closely with local bereavement groups and organisations and can help connect you with the right support for your situation. Please ask any member of our team we are happy to make introductions and to help you find what you need.

Request Your Free Grief Support Booklet

Navigating a loss is rarely straightforward, but understanding your emotions can bring a sense of clarity. To support you during this time, we have partnered with internationally renowned bereavement specialist Dr Bill Webster to provide a complimentary copy of his grief booklet. This valuable resource delivers compassionate advice and practical tools to help you process your feelings and find steady ground in the weeks ahead.

  • What is inside? Practical guidance for managing daily grief, expert coping strategies, and reassurance for difficult days.
  • How to get it: Our team is happy to provide a physical copy, or you can order one directly online.

Accessing SAIF Care Bereavement Services

As part of our commitment to the families we care for, we offer professional aftercare through SAIF Care. If you are over 18 and coping with a loss, this independent service can match you with qualified counsellors via phone, video call, or in-person visits in your local community. While counselling may incur a fee, immediate help and advice are completely free through the following channels:

  • Helpline: 0800 917 7224 (Available weekdays from 9am to 9pm, closed Bank Holidays)
  • Email: help@saifcare.org.uk
  • Webchat: Connect instantly via SAIF Care Chat

Please reach out to our staff for further details on how we can support you.

National Support Organisations

The following organisations offer bereavement support across the UK

St. Clare Hospice 
(West Essex) 

Grief support and aftercare

Find out more >

Cruse Bereavement 
Support

National helpline and local branches

Find out more >

The Good Grief Trust 

Searchable UK grief services directory

Find out more >

Mind

Mental health support nationwide

Samaritans

24/7 emotional support

Cruse Bereavement Support

National helpline and local branches.

The Good Grief Trust

Searchable UK grief services directory.

Honouring Their Memory

Finding a meaningful, lasting tribute for your loved one is a personal journey that continues long after the service.

Our team offers dedicated, ongoing assistance with:

Urns

Explore our collection of urns to discover a variety of premium materials, textures, and bespoke engraving options.

Keepsakes

Keep your memories close. Browse our selection of fingerprint jewellery, lockets, and meaningful tokens designed to honour their life.

Memorials

We provide support with our memorial choices, including bespoke headstones, commemorative benches, and tranquil garden tributes.

Probate Support

Our expert probate and estate management partners provide professional guidance through every step of the process.

Always Ready to Support You

Whenever you need a helping hand, our team is just a call, click, or visit away.

Tell Us Once Service

When someone passes away, there are many official organisations that need to be notified. The Tell Us Once service, provided by the UK Government, helps you do this in one go.

With your permission, they can notify:

  • HMRC (Tax Office)
  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • Passport Office
  • DVLA
  • Local council services

Tell Us Once Service

To save you from contacting multiple government departments individually, the Registrar will offer you the Tell Us Once service.

They will either:

  • Complete the Tell Us Once service with you or give you a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself, online or by phone.
  • This will notify multiple departments (such as the DWP or DVLA) simultaneously.
  • You must use the service within 28 days of getting your unique reference number.

Words from the
Families We’ve Helped

I highly recommend H L Hawes & Son
They were so kind and caring and supportive to my family, though this difficult time. I would personally like to thank all the staff but give a special thanks to Richard for everything he did for us . We wanted Dad to have a lovely send off and that's what he got
The team is lovely
Special thanks to Brett who guided the family during a difficult time and was on hand to deal with all requests & queries. He made the process seamless. We had a traditional Hindu funeral and they accommodated all our needs. Thank you
We would like to take the time to Thank You
Thank You all for the very professional and amazing way looked after the final stages for my cousin’s funeral and memorial service. Your attention was wonderful. From the funeral home to the celebrant and the printer of the Order of Service . Nothing was left out .
Sensitive and professional, also with other traditions/religions (e.g. Sikhism)
We cannot thank Richard, Marc and the team enough. Came highly recommended, would highly recommend.
H L Hawes recently conducted the funeral of my late father.
They were so helpful throughout the whole process, and provided such a professional service before and on the day. I especially want to thank Lorraine, for all her patience, understanding, and support. You were amazing. Thank you all for ensuring my father had such a good send off.
We used H L Hawes to handle my Mum's funeral. The friendly team led by Brett gave us a such a perfect day.
They were so efficient and sympathetic throughout the weeks leading up to the event and that made it so much easier for us. They thought of everything – and it all went off so smoothly without a hitch. It was all just as Mum would have wanted, full of dignity and respect. I have no hesitation in recommending them for outstanding service .
We used H L Hawes & Son for my little sister funeral. They was so professional, polite, understanding and respectful.
Their communication and organisation was so amazing. I cannot thank Brett and team enough and forever grateful for giving my sister an amazing send off.
Thank you to Brett and Richard for helping the family to organise our Mum's funeral.
Obviously this is a very emotional time and they were both on hand, with nothing too much trouble, enabling us to rightly celebrate our Mum's life with dignity but not at all stuffy. Mum would have been proud.

Community Voice

Supporting Families Beyond the Funeral
At West & Coe, care doesn’t stop at the service. Learn about our continued support for grieving families — from local groups to helpful resources you can access anytime.
Read more >
New Podcast: Planning Ahead with Confidence
In this episode, we speak with our funeral planning team about the benefits of preparing your wishes in advance — and how it can ease the burden on loved ones.
Read more >
Honouring a Life, Your Way
From dove releases to bespoke floral arrangements, discover how families are adding meaningful personal touches to create unique and heartfelt farewells.
Read more >
Local Matters: Backing Dagenham FC
We’re proud to sponsor Dagenham Football Club this season — one of the many ways we stay connected to the communities we serve.
Read more >
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