The Metropolitan Police's Family Liaison Team today launches its new phone line service for people affected by bereavement.

This follows on from its 'delivering a death message' line launched last year. The 0800 freephone number: 0800 0329996 has been designed to support those people directly impacted by bereavement, and who need assistance in dealing with the aftermath of a death.

Like the 'delivering the message' helpline all the commentary has been recorded by The Bill actor Eric Richard. He offered his professional assistance following his experience with a Met family liaison officer who was deployed to his family following the death of his grandson, Charlie, in the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

The Family Liaison Team have consulted with different victim support agencies on the development of this phone line, which has a number of different strands - each providing a different package of information. With sponsorship from BT and from O2 the phone line's options are divided up as follows:

The role of the Coroner - this section provides information on the inquest, post-mortem examination and court processes and explains what expectations people should have.

How to register a death - providing details of when, how where and who can register a death, and importantly what documents are needed.

Deaths overseas - this section explains the role of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and how they can assist in providing information including; what to do/who to speak to in cases of deaths overseas and dealing with issues of local burial, cremation and repatriation to the UK.

Wills and estates - this is a detailed section on issues around wills and probate and gives advice on where to go to get in depth advice on probate issues or concerns.

Support organisations - this section gives details of relevant support organisations with contact numbers including Samaritans, Compassionate Friends, Disaster Action, Brake, Road Peace, Victims Voice, Cruise and Child Death Helpline

The Family Liaison team have been working towards this phone line as a result of their work and experiences of working with people affected by bereavement.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alfred Hitchcock, said:

"This important service means that we are able to add an extra layer of support to people going through bereavement. People are not always aware of the different processes and are often at a loss about where to find information. Our officers have worked closely with people who have lost loved ones and family members, and we hope that this helpline will support others who find themselves in need of advice and assistance".