Bereaved Families
Although such incidents are relatively low in numbers, sadly some families and carers do experience losing a loved one to a drug related death.
SPODA has a unique partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary to allow our staff to act as the family’s liaison worker. This way of supporting families allows SPODA to liaise with the police and the coroners to ensure that the families are kept up to date with all aspects of the procedures that follow a sudden death caused through a possible drug overdose.
We offer knowledge and skills to assist with the often daunting process that has to take place at a time when families are suffering feelings of extreme loss and grief. We can help with information on grants that are often available to assist with funeral costs. Advice is also available on how to deal with debts left by the deceased, sadly not many people who die in this way leave any estate or assets.
An inquest can be a daunting time for families and carers, at SPODA we will work with our clients to prepare and plan for the inquest. Bereaved families often become distressed at an inquest therefore this preparation work is vital to allow the SPODA support worker to advocate at the inquest for the families. Coroners have to ensure that all aspects of the death have been covered by the police investigation and to ensure that the pathologist has submitted their expertise for the possible cause of death; all this information will then assist the coroner to deliver a verdict.
Deaths that occur in prison or police custody will also need to go through the process of the coroners courts; (within the county where the death has occured) support is available to families bereaved in this way.
For empathy and understanding please call SPODA on 0800 068 5718