Advice, guides & articles

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." - Gloria Steinem. As we approach Friday, the 8th of March, a date dedicated to celebrating the immense strength and resilience of women across the globe, we at Funeral Notices pause to reflect. International Women's Day is a day that honours the achievements of women, both past and present, and advocates for gender equality. We often find ourselves discussing loss, grief, and remembrance, so it feels especially poignant to take a moment to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the remarkable women who have touched our lives. The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion, according to their website: 'When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.' For us here at Funeral Notices, Inspire Inclusion is a call to action to celebrate the stories of women featured on our website, within our team and our audience. Many of the notices we post are tributes to incredible women who lived extraordinary lives. Mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, friends - each one unique, each one leaving a lasting impact on those around them. On this day, we remember them with love and admiration. We also acknowledge the women who are dealing with loss. The strength they exhibit in times of sorrow is truly awe-inspiring. Their courage is a testament to the power and resilience inherent in womanhood. International Women's Day is not just about recognising the struggles women face but also celebrating their victories - big or small. Every woman who has stood up for her rights, every woman who has broken barriers in her field, every woman who has provided comfort in times of grief - they all deserve to be celebrated. Let us use this day to express our gratitude towards these incredible women. Let's honour their memory by continuing their legacy of strength and resilience. As we mark International Women's Day this year, let us remember that every step taken towards gender equality, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Let's strive for a balanced world where every individual is valued and remembered for their unique contributions. We are honoured to be part of your journey in remembering and celebrating the lives of your loved ones. As we commemorate International Women's Day, we stand with you in celebrating the extraordinary women who have left indelible marks on our lives. In conclusion, we would like to leave you with a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that encapsulates the essence of this day: "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Here's to strong women. May we inspire them, and honour them. And most importantly, may we remember them. Happy International Women's Day from all of us at funeral-notices.co.uk. You can find out more about International Women's Day, including how to get involved, here. Check out our previous blogs here. Don't forget to Follow funeral-notices.co.uk on social media to see when new articles are published: Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

March marks the return of Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, the charity’s biggest annual fundraising campaign. Marie Curie was founded in 1948, and in the last 75 years have supported millions of people who have been affected by terminal illness. 1 in 4 people do not get the end of life care that they need. Marie Curie aims to bring end of life care and support to everyone who needs it. Superdrug are the headline partner for the Great Daffodil Appeal 2024, and will be selling pins and accepting donations throughout the month.

I have to preface this list with a trigger warning, because if you are not mentally and emotionally in the right place to get very sad, very soon, then maybe you should come back when you are feeling more prepared. Sometimes a good cry is actually just what you need in order to release pent up feelings that you cannot otherwise seem to let out. If that’s you, then you’re in the right place! I’ve found songs from a range of different genres, including pop, rock, and hip hop, but what they all have in common is that the videos have a story to tell about grief and loss

100 Miles in March for Mind takes place throughout the month of March, and challenges people to walk, run or wheel 100 miles in March to raise money and awareness for better mental health. Mind is a mental health charity, aiming to make mental health an everyday priority across England and Wales. They offer help and support to those who need it, providing advice and information, and knowledge of local mental health services. Anyone can take part in this challenge, no matter your level of activity. Walking, jogging and cycling can all help you to get to the 100 mile mark, and it’s up to you how you get there. Pace yourself by doing 3 miles every day, or go on long walks or bike rides over the weekend to make up the miles. You can find out how to register by visiting the site, below: mind.org.uk/get-involved/donate-or-fundraise/take-on-an-active-challenge/100-miles-in-march-2024 Once registered, you’ll be sent a free Mind t-shirt and step tracker, and can set up a fundraising page. The page will automatically set a target for £150, but this can be increased or decreased as you see fit. You can choose to join the Facebook group, allowing you to connect with others taking the challenge. This could be a useful tool for motivation, as you see how others are getting on with their goal. You can even take part as a team with friends or family members. This is great for motivation, and allows you to set up fun activities together to get the miles in.

The workplace is not only a space for professional growth but also a crucial environment that significantly impacts an individual’s mental wellbeing. A positive work environment that prioritises mental wellbeing contributes to increased employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. Neglecting mental health can lead to burnout, absences from work, decreased productivity, and a decline in overall team morale. Below are some strategies for cultivating a positive workplace environment that uplifts employees, and also actionable steps individuals can take to prioritise their mental wellbeing within the professional setting. Open Communication Open dialogue about mental health should be encouraged in the workplace. Ensure that employees know they can seek support without fear of judgement, and create avenues for employees to express their concerns, such as one-on-one meetings, team discussions or anonymous surveys. Employees should always communicate their needs and concerns to their supervisor or colleagues. If you are feeling overwhelmed, whether with workload or any other issue, discuss this with your manager. Always seek support where needed. Training and Development Mental health awareness training should be provided to employees and management. It is important to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of mental health struggles, fostering empathy and understanding in the workplace. Employees should consider advocating for change if you believe your workplace culture negatively impacts mental health. You could suggest mental health initiatives, wellness programs, or discussions about fostering a more supportive environment. Flexible Work Policies Workplaces should recognise and accommodate diverse needs by implementing flexible work policies. This includes flexible working hours, remote work options, and understanding the importance of work-life balance. These measures can help to alleviate stress and support employees in managing their mental health effectively. Individuals should work to understand themselves and their limits. If you feel you need to make a change, such as working hours, working from home, or any other reasonable accommodation, ask for support. Mental Health Resources Access to mental health resources such as counselling services, employee assistance programs, or workshops focused on stress management should be available to all employees. Employees should familiarise themselves with any mental health resources, such as the above, available in their workplace. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Work/Life Balance A work/life balance should be promoted by the workplace. Ensure to set realistic expectations and boundaries, and discourage excessive overtime. Work to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable taking breaks where needed. Employees need to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific work hours, take regular breaks, and resist the temptation to work when you’re not supposed to. Prioritising mental health in the workplace helps to cultivate a thriving, innovative, and resilient workforce. By fostering a supportive culture, providing resources, and recognising the significance of mental wellbeing, organisations can create environments where employees not only survive but truly thrive. This then lays the foundation for long-term success and contributes to a healthier, more compassionate workplace. Thank you for reading.

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences any of us will face in life. In moments of grief, finding the right words to express our feelings can be daunting. Whether you're attending, or speaking at, a funeral or offering condolences to someone who has lost a loved one, knowing what to say can be a source of anxiety. In this blog, we'll explore some common phrases and sentiments people express at funerals, aiming to provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time.

We’re pretty familiar with our own physical health, and a lot of us are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of looking after our own mental health, but have you ever thought about your emotional health? With Emotional Health Week coming up soon, now is as good a time as any to start thinking about it!

The beginning of February marks the beginning of LGBT+ History Month, a month of celebration, reflection and education. Taking place annually, it is a time to honour the LGBT+ community, acknowledging the struggles, triumphs and contributions that have shaped the world we live in today. Each year has a different theme to help showcase a different aspect of the LGBT+ community and its history. This year’s theme is Medicine, celebrating the community’s contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare, both historically and today.

In a world that often glorifies constant connection and social engagement, the concept of solitude is frequently overlooked. However, embracing solitude can be a powerful and transformative experience that contributes significantly to personal growth and mental well-being. Here we will explore the importance of alone time and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives.

When forced to think about death and dying, we usually consider the emotional and mental costs that it will bestow upon ourselves and our loved ones. However, if we take a more pragmatic approach, then we can start to consider the ‘cost of dying’ as relating to the actual monetary cost of a person’s send off.