Dec 01, 2023

Bereavement services in Singapore can refer to different kinds of help after a death. Some services handle practical funeral arrangements, while others provide grief counselling, peer support or assistance with everyday concerns.

Understanding these differences can help you find support that matches your needs. This guide explains what to ask a funeral director, where to look for emotional support and how relatives and friends can help.

What Are Bereavement Services?

Bereavement describes the experience of losing someone through death. The support a person needs may change over time, from immediate funeral decisions to conversations and practical help after the funeral.

Services may include:

• Funeral assistance: Care of the deceased, wake arrangements, transportation and cremation or burial coordination.
• Grief counselling: Individual or family conversations with a professional who supports people experiencing loss.
• Peer support: Groups where people can share experiences with others who have been bereaved.
• Community assistance: Help finding relevant social services or support for practical concerns.
• Religious or spiritual support: Guidance from a faith community, according to personal preferences.

A provider may offer only some of these services. Ask what is available rather than assuming that funeral arrangements include counselling or ongoing support.

Practical Help With Funeral Arrangements

A funeral director can explain the practical arrangements following a death and provide a quotation for the services requested.

Depending on the arrangement, assistance may include collection and care of the deceased, casket selection, wake setup, religious coordination, transportation and cremation or burial arrangements.

Before confirming, ask:

• Which services are included in the quotation?
• Which decisions need to be made now?
• What information does the family need to provide?
• Which fees or arrangements are handled separately?
• Who will keep the family informed?

For practical funeral assistance, explore Singapore Funeral Committee’s funeral services, call +65 9844 8444, or WhatsApp our funeral team. Our funeral assistance is available 24/7.

Grief Counselling and Emotional Support

Some people want a private space to talk about the person who died, their feelings or the changes in daily life. Others may prefer support from family, friends or a faith community.

You do not need to have every question worked out before contacting a support provider. You can explain what has happened and ask which service may be suitable.

When considering counselling, ask about:

• The counsellor’s experience with bereavement.
• Whether sessions are individual, family-based or in a group.
• Available languages.
• In-person or online appointments.
• Fees, subsidies and eligibility.
• Waiting times and referral requirements.
• Confidentiality and how personal information is handled.

Where to Find Bereavement Support in Singapore

The following independent resources can help you explore available support. Contact the organisation directly to confirm its current services, suitability and charges.

Singapore Hospice Council’s Community Directory

The community bereavement service directory lists organisations offering different forms of support. Review the individual service descriptions and contact the provider that matches your circumstances.

EMCC Grief Counselling

EMCC provides grief counselling. Its service page explains its approach and how to make an enquiry.

The Care Team Involved Before the Death

If a hospital, hospice or other care provider supported your loved one, ask its social worker or care team whether bereavement support or referral options are available.

Your Religious or Community Network

If you wish, contact a trusted religious leader or community organisation. Ask what support it offers and whether it can help you find another service when needed.

Would a Bereavement Support Group Suit You?

A support group offers an opportunity to hear from others who have experienced a death. Some people value that shared understanding, while others prefer individual conversations.

Before joining, ask who the group is intended for, who facilitates it and whether it follows a particular format. Check the language, meeting schedule, confidentiality expectations and any fees.

You can ask questions before deciding whether to attend. Choosing a different form of support is also an option.

How Family and Friends Can Help

Offer specific assistance and let the bereaved person decide what is useful. Practical tasks can be difficult to organise while funeral decisions and other responsibilities are being handled.

Possible offers include:

• Preparing a meal or helping with groceries.
• Providing transport to an appointment.
• Helping coordinate visitors or family updates.
• Assisting with household tasks.
• Keeping someone company when they want it.

Ask before sharing personal news, photographs or funeral details publicly. Respect requests for privacy and check in again after the funeral, when visitors may be less frequent.

When listening, allow the person to speak without pressure to feel better or make decisions. Avoid telling them how they should grieve or comparing their experience with someone else’s.

Finding Support After the Funeral

Support does not have to end when the funeral is over. Family responsibilities, paperwork, anniversaries and changes in routine may bring new questions.

You can contact a bereavement service at a later stage, even if you did not seek support immediately after the death. Explain your current concerns and ask what assistance is available.

If you would like professional support, use the directory above or contact a counselling provider to discuss your options.

Questions to Ask a Bereavement Service

• Do you provide funeral arrangements, counselling, peer support or another service?
• Who is eligible?
• Do I need a referral?
• Which languages are available?
• Can family members attend together?
• What are the fees and are subsidies available?
• How soon can an appointment be arranged?
• What happens after the initial enquiry?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Funeral Services and Grief Counselling the Same?

No. Funeral services manage practical arrangements for the deceased and the farewell. Grief counselling provides professional emotional support. Ask each provider which services it offers.

Can I Seek Support Some Time After the Death?

Yes. You can enquire about support when you feel ready or when your needs change. Check eligibility and availability directly with the provider.

Are Bereavement Services Free?

Costs vary by provider and service. Ask about fees, subsidies and eligibility before booking. Funeral services and counselling may be charged separately.

Can Someone Help Me Find the Right Service?

You can ask a hospital or hospice social worker, a community organisation or a counselling provider about suitable options. The Singapore Hospice Council directory is another starting point.

Contact Us for Practical Funeral Assistance

Singapore Funeral Committee assists families with funeral arrangements in Singapore. Tell us the arrangements you need so we can explain the available services and provide a quotation.

For 24/7 funeral assistance, call +65 9844 8444 or WhatsApp our funeral team.

For counselling or peer support, contact an appropriate independent provider listed above.