Advice, guides & articles

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

The loss of a loved one is an emotional and challenging experience that affects all aspects of our lives. In the immediate aftermath of their passing, we find solace in coming together to mourn and celebrate their life during the funeral. However, as time passes, we must consider how to continue their legacy and honour their memory in meaningful ways. In this blog post we will explore some ideas for carrying forward the influence and impact of our loved ones long after the funeral. Share stories and memories Keep your loved one’s memory alive by sharing stories and memories that involve them, or maybe stories that they told you. Tell them to younger family members, passing their wisdom down to younger generations, ensuring they are never forgotten. Cherish memories of them with family and friends whenever you’re gathered together for special occasions. Establish an online memorial An online memorial can serve as a space where friends and family can come together to share memories, post tributes and photos, and keep their loved one’s legacy alive, allowing people to express their emotions and feelings about the departed. To find out how to create a tribute page on our website, click the following link: https://funeral-notices.co.uk/help/how-to-place-a-notice Host commemorative events Organise gatherings on special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries to honour the life of the departed. These events provide an opportunity for friends and family to come together and celebrate their loved one’s memory. Embrace their passions Embracing your loved one’s passions and interests is an effective way of keeping their legacy alive. You can support a cause they cared deeply about, pursue a hobby they loved, or continue a charitable endeavour they started. Engaging with things that brought them joy can help preserve their memory and keep their spirit alive.

Direct cremation is a term used in the funeral industry to describe a cremation with no funeral service beforehand. Sometimes referred to as a simple or unattended cremation, it is often the most affordable option available to families.

Journaling is the practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a personal diary or journal, and can be traced back to ancient civilisations. There are many benefits of journaling, including improving emotional well-being, creativity, problem-solving and communication skills. In this blog post, we will explore the healing power of journaling and how it can help with the grieving process. Catharsis Feelings of grief can be overwhelming at times, and can be difficult to express. Journaling provides a safe and private space to pour out your deepest emotions, thoughts, and memories. The simple act of writing your feelings can serve as a cathartic release, allowing any pent up feelings to flow freely onto the page. Unravel complex emotions Grief can involve many different emotions, and it’s not always easy to understand them. Writing a journal can help you to unravel these emotions, examine their origins and gain insights into the depths of your feelings. This can help you to find clarity and better understand your grieving process. Honouring memories Writing in a journal can allow you to commemorate the memories of those you have lost. You can reflect on cherished moments shared with loved ones, in a way preserving their presence with your words. This act of remembrance can be a powerful way to keep their memory alive and allow you to find comfort in a continued connection with the departed.

The loss of a loved one can be difficult, but funeral rituals can serve as powerful tools for healing and honouring the memory of those who have passed. Creating meaningful funeral rituals can both pay tribute to departed loved ones and help us find solace in the process of grieving. In this blog post we will explore ways to create meaningful funeral rituals. Personalise the funeral Every individual is unique, so this should also apply to their funerals. Personalising the funeral allows family and friends to celebrate the life of their loved one in a way that reflects their personality, passions and values. Favourite music, hobbies, or quotes can be incorporated into the funeral service to create a meaningful experience, unique to the person who has passed. Location matters The location of a funeral depends on both the family’s wishes and the wishes of the deceased. Some families may find solace in more traditional places of worship, while others may opt for something a little more unconventional, such as a garden, beach, forest, or a favourite spot of the departed. It is important to choose a location that resonates with the deceased’s life and provides a comfortable place for loved ones to gather and remember. Celebrate their life Consider incorporating rituals that celebrate the life of the departed instead of focusing solely on mourning. Friends and family members could be invited to share cherished memories, a memory board could be created with photographs and mementos, or a video montage could be shown. Acts of kindness A popular way to honour the memory of the deceased is to request donations to a cause that was close to their heart. These acts not only pay tribute to a lost loved one, but also leave a positive impact on the world in their memory. Make meaningful gestures Symbolic gestures such as lighting candles, scattering flower petals, or writing farewell messages to release into the wind are examples of meaningful rituals that can provide comfort and closure for mourners. Creating meaningful funeral rituals is a powerful and cathartic process that helps us to honour the lives of our loved ones while finding comfort and support during a time of grief. Embracing personalisation allows us to celebrate the deceased’s life by creating a funeral service that not only pays tribute but also brings solace to those left behind. 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