Aftercare
During and after the passing of a loved one, a great deal comes your way. Alongside the emotions and the personal farewell, there are also practical and administrative matters that need to be taken care of. To support you in this, I work together with the NabestaandenLoket.
If you would like to make use of this, I will ensure you receive access to a personal account. I will provide the login details and guide you through the first steps, so you can calmly look through what needs to be arranged. Based on your situation, a clear checklist is then created for you. You will also find straightforward information about topics that require attention after a death.
If you would prefer not to create an account, I warmly refer you to the page After the funeral. There you will find additional information and a practical checklist that helps you keep an overview.
Emotional support in grief
Grief can surface at unexpected moments. Sometimes it helps to speak with someone who specialises in bereavement or to connect with people who have experienced a similar loss. Below you will find organisations that can offer support in finding the right kind of help. Whether you are looking for a listening ear, guidance, or contact with others who understand, you do not have to carry it alone.
Organisations offering grief support
The organisations below are based in the Netherlands and generally offer their services in Dutch. If you feel more comfortable communicating in English, support is available upon request at most of these organisations.
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Marjolein Sickinge – loss counsellor and psychologist
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Achter de Regenboog – peer support, literature and forum for young people in grief
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Lieve Engeltjes – peer support after the loss of a child
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Stilbeeld – comforting photographs of the farewell
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In de Wolken – grief support for young people and children
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Slachtofferhulp Nederland – after crime or traffic accident
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Stichting Wiegedood – support for bereaved parents
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Stichting Bretels – for young families who lose a parent
Support that's specifically offered in English:
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Expat Counselling Centre — individual, couples and family therapy in English, Amsterdam
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Palmyra Bakker — English-language bereavement support group in Amsterdam, 9 weeks
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Mylène Costa Therapy — English grief support group in The Hague, also available online
Practical help after a death
Below is a carefully curated overview of organisations and services that can support you in the period following a death. They offer practical help with a wide range of matters, so you do not have to figure everything out on your own. With clear information, useful tools, and reliable referrals, they help bring structure and calm during a difficult time.
Estate, belongings, and home clearance
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Chaos in Orde – clearing of estates
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Tante Sjaan – household clearance services
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Sympany – free collection of clothing
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In Goede Handen – support with clearing a home after a death
Inheritance and insurance
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De Nalatenschapsspecialist – support with settling estates and inheritance matters after a death
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Helpdesk Slapende Banktegoeden – assistance in locating dormant bank accounts and unclaimed balances
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DNB – requesting details of an insurance company about legal succession
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Van A tot Zekerheid – helpdesk for dormant policies and old insurance, including search assistance for inactive policies
Other
Goede Doelen – information about donating to recognised charities
Bright Elephant – writing programme for expressing grief and loss