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Traditionally funerals have always been sombre occasions, marked by grief and mourning. However, there is a growing movement to shift the focus from mourning the loss to celebrating the life lived. Personalising funerals to reflect the unique stories and personalities of the deceased in order to celebrate their life both honours the departed and can play a vital role in the healing process for grieving loved ones. Here are some ways to honour and remember loved ones in a more meaningful and uplifting manner: Customised themes One way to personalise a funeral is by choosing a theme that resonates with the deceased’s interests or personality. If they were passionate about sports, for instance, try to incorporate elements of this into their funeral, perhaps asking funeral goers to wear the colours of their favourite team. If they were an avid gardener, the funeral could be adorned with flowers and plants. Memories and stories Sharing memories and stories of the deceased is a great way to honour them. Incorporating storytelling sessions or video tributes allows friends and family to reminisce, recounting cherished moments, humorous anecdotes and heartwarming tales. This both helps mourners to remember their loved one as they were, as well as providing an opportunity for healing through laughter and connection.

Whether faced with the loss of a loved one, a break up, a career setback, or any other emotionally distressing event, it’s important to prioritise self-care while going through the process of grief. Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss, and while it can be overwhelming, practising self-care can help you to heal and find solace. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can take care of yourself during difficult times. Self-care involves intentional actions that prioritise your mental, physical and emotional well-being. During times of grief, self-care becomes a lifeline that can help you manage the intense emotions and maintain a sense of balance. Here are a few ways you can practise self-care during the grieving process: Prioritise emotional well-being Try to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as journaling, listening to music, creating art, and spending time in nature. Engaging in your hobbies and interests can help to ground you during times of grief. Make sure to take some time for yourself every now and then, for example set aside some time to read that book you’ve had your eye on, or pamper yourself with a long, hot bath with candles lit. Establish a routine Following a daily routine can provide structure and stability during difficult times. Simple changes such as having a set time to go to bed and get up can make a big difference. Over time you can add more things to your routine, such as exercise, socialising and hobbies. Maintain physical health Maintaining your physical health can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, helping to improve your overall mood while keeping your physical body healthy. Even gentle exercise such as walking or yoga are beneficial. Eating a well balanced diet and staying hydrated are also important to maintain both physical and mental health. Engage in mindfulness Meditation and deep breathing can help you to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Practising mindfulness techniques can help you to reduce stress, sleep better, and develop an attitude of self-care.

Reminiscing with an elderly family member is always a sure fire way to bring a smile to their face, as they look back on a life well lived and remember all things they have seen and done. In popular culture, there has been a big surge over recent years for nostalgic media, especially in the 30-40 age bracket. Be it remakes of childhood favourite films, or a television show set in the 80s or 90s, these nostalgia trips are proving to be a hit. So why not combine the two ideas, and try reminiscing over some nostalgic memories with your elderly relatives?

The basic cost of a funeral in the UK ranges from £3000-£5000, and includes essential services such as cremation or burial fees, funeral director fees, and the coffin. There can be additional factors that influence costs when planning a funeral. Some of these are detailed below: Location The cost of a funeral can vary depending on where you’re located within the UK. Urban areas such as London tend to have higher costs when compared to rural regions. Service The type of service you choose can impact the overall cost. A traditional burial, for example, will cost more than if you opted for a cremation. Cremations tend to be less expensive than burials due to lower cemetery costs. A direct cremation, which is a cremation without a funeral service, costs significantly lower than a cremation or burial. Funeral Director Funeral directors provide various services, including organising the funeral, coordinating transportation, and providing professional guidance. While having a funeral director is worthwhile, their fees can significantly impact the overall cost. Venue If you choose to hold a wake or reception after the funeral service, the cost of the venue, catering, and other arrangements will contribute to the total expenses. Having the wake at home can help to reduce these costs. Coffin selection There are many different types of coffins and caskets available, some more expensive than others. Choosing a simple coffin or shroud over a more expensive version can help to lower the overall cost of the funeral service.

This September is the 33rd annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), a month dedicated to generating awareness and support for children suffering from all types of cancer. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is supported by a many different charities and organisations, so we thought that it would be a good idea to highlight a few of them and the activities that they are organising.

This is the third in our series monthly articles looking at the incredible collections that friends and family have donated to when visiting funeral-notices.co.uk, and writing them each month has helped us to focus on all of the good that can be done in memory of someone special. Grief and sadness are obviously the feelings most associated with the passing of a loved one, but some people find some solace by creating a lasting legacy in their memory. Raising money for charity does just that, by ensuring that donations go towards something or somewhere meaningful to you and your loved one. Here are just some of the remarkable collections that we have paid out in August. Daniel Ames Click here to view notice The family of Daniel chose to raise money for North West Air Ambulance, a charity that they also directly thanked in Daniel’s funeral notice. Air Ambulance charities all over the country do incredible work, and are a popular choice for in memory donations. Family and friends raised £725 for North West Air Ambulance in Daniel’s memory, plus Gift Aid of £82.26. Les Frampton Click here to view notice Children's Hospice South West has been caring for children and young people for more than 30 years and are dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives at each of their three hospices. Les’s family chose this deserving charity to have a collection for, and an incredible £885 was raised in his memory, plus an extra £199.30 in Gift Aid.

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience that can affect you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Grief is a natural response to loss, and finding healthy ways to cope with it is essential for your well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies for dealing with grief in a healthy way. Allow yourself to grieve The most important way to cope with your grief is to allow yourself to feel it. Don’t bottle up your feelings, or pretend they aren’t there; this can prolong the healing process. Allow yourself to feel any emotion that may arise, whether it’s sadness, guilt, confusion or anger. Reach out Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members or support groups who understand what you’re going through and can help you get through it. Talking about your feelings with people who care about you can provide comfort and help alleviate the sense of isolation many people experience while grieving. If your grief is overwhelming you, or affecting your daily life, consider seeking help from a professional such as a therapist. Practice self care It’s so important to ensure you are taking care of yourself during times of grief. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Listening to your favourite music, reading a book, or taking a walk are all simple activities that can help you find solace. Be Mindful Mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and sadness. Mindful practices such as yoga and meditation can foster a sense of calm and acceptance, allowing you to more easily navigate the grieving process. Embrace creativity Engaging in creative activities can provide an outlet for your emotions. Expressing yourself in words is not always possible when grieving, so activities such as painting, playing instruments and writing can help you find new ways to process your feelings. Reminisce While grief may bring feelings of loss, it also provides an opportunity to celebrate the positive moments you shared with your loved one. Focus on the joyful memories and the impact they had on your life. Activities such as planting a tree or lighting a candle can help to honour your loved one’s memory. Be patient Grief takes time. Be patient with yourself, and remember it’s OK to have good days and bad days. The intensity of your grief will diminish over time, but the memories will remain. Everyone copes with loss differently, and not all of these options will be right for everyone. Choose the strategies that resonate with you, and remember that healing takes time. Seeking support from loved ones or professionals can make the process more manageable. By practising self care, expressing your emotions and allowing yourself to grieve, you can gradually move towards a place of healing. Thank you for reading.

We all know how pets can be an incredible companion and comfort, especially to those who may otherwise feel lonely in their later years, so it is no wonder that people would want to raise money to help pets in need. Donations in memory of a loved one who has passed away are one way of leaving a lasting legacy in their name. That’s what the family of Nancy Beatrice Alcock and Berenice Conway decided to do, raising £1,000 for the PDSA over those two collections.

Modern funerals are all about choice and personalisation, as funeral directors and other funeral professionals aim to provide a service that is meaningful to you and your loved ones. One simple way to personalise a funeral is through the choice of music that plays as people walk in and out of the service. There are a lot of classic staples that your funeral director can suggest, but what if you want something a bit more modern? Here are a few modern pop songs that might just convey the message and vibe that you are looking for.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a beloved pet, a job, or any significant life change, grief can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to cope. Finding solace and understanding in the company of others who have experienced similar losses can help immensely. This blog post will explore the importance of grief support groups and how they can provide a safe and nurturing space for people to heal and connect with others on their journey through grief. Improve feelings of isolation Grief can be incredibly isolating, as grieving individuals often find it difficult to express their emotions to family and friends, afraid they may become a burden or be misunderstood. Support groups create a safe space where people can openly share their feelings, knowing that others have experienced similar emotions and struggles. This helps people to realise they are not alone in their grief. Empathy Grief support groups offer a unique setting where participants can openly share their stories, memories, and emotions relating to their loss. Shared experiences among group members can foster feelings of empathy, allowing participants to gain insight from others’ experiences, finding comfort in knowing that their feelings are normal and valid. Learn coping mechanisms Navigating grief can feel overwhelming, and at times it may feel like there is no end in sight. Support groups allow people to learn coping strategies from one another. People who are further along in their journey through grief can offer valuable advice and share what has helped them cope during difficult times. Safe environment Grief support groups provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for people to share their emotions and experiences without fear of being criticised. The support group environment ensures that everyone’s feelings and experiences are validated, regardless of their specific circumstances. Find hope In the depths of grief, finding hope can seem impossible. Support groups provide opportunities for participants to explore their feelings with group discussions, memorial activities, and therapeutic exercises. These shared experiences can help participants to find a sense of purpose and hope amidst the pain. Grief is a challenging journey that most people experience at some point in their lives. It is not something that we must suffer through alone; grief support groups offer a safe space for individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Through shared experiences, coping mechanisms, and an understanding environment, participants can find healing, hope, and meaning in their grief. Thank you for reading. 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 Twitter Instagram LinkedIn