Welfare funerals

If somebody passes away in Salford, and no relatives are able or willing to make arrangements for the funeral, then Salford City Council or Salford Royal Foundation Trust will organise a welfare funeral.

A welfare funeral, also known as a public health funeral, is a funeral arranged under the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 section 46. This act places a statutory obligation on local authorities and hospitals to make funeral arrangements for those who die where there are no relatives willing or able to make the arrangements.

Before agreeing to organise the welfare funeral, the council and hospital will need to carry out an investigation, including a search of the deceased person's home to try and find a Will or any documents that will indicate the existence of any relatives, religious beliefs or funeral preferences.

If you know someone who has deceased and may require a welfare funeral, then funding /support can be accessed from the Bereavement teams:

• If the death happened in hospital please email Bereavement.SRFT@nca.nhs.uk or call 0161 206 5174
• If the death happened in the community, including care homes please email sarah.barneswalsh@nca.nhs.uk or call 0161 0161 206 7345