Creating vibrant life celebrations

Are you concerned about planning the ceremony for your loved one ?

My counselling experience and work as a Hospice biographer means I am able to support you in your grief as we plan and conduct the funeral.

You are free to choose whoever you believe will offer you the service you need at this crucial time in your lives.

The person your funeral director suggests might not be the best choice for you.

You need someone who is well presented and professional in approach, who is trained to understand the dynamics of presenting a well balanced and meaningful ceremony.

You need someone who is attentive to what you want or do not want in your ceremony and who can offer you wide experience and a wealth of ideas so the ceremony meets the needs of the closest family members as well as others who attend the funeral.

You need someone who can offer guidance about what is appropriate or not so that the ceremony is a fine reflection of your loved one's life and your wishes.

It is important for the ceremony to accurately celebrate your loved one and reflect that person's values and beliefs in a ceremony that expresses the pain of separation as well as remembering the joyful times you shared.

This will be an encouragement and comfort for those who are facing the changes the death has brought to their lives.

I am sensitive when working with stressed and grieving families and helping to mediate different points of view so we include input from those involved.
My resources and experience give you a wide range of options of service and I am comfortable to incorporate any religious views you hold, or conduct a non-religious service. I can offer you appropriate readings and music to suit your choice of service.
I will meet you at your home or mine to discuss your requirements and get the planning underway.We will be in regular contact by phone and email to ensure you are comfortable with the ceremony I have written after we have planned it together.
I welcome input from yourselves and people you choose to take part in the service.
I work closely with funeral directors, the musicians and all taking part in the service to ensure all flows smoothly. I am adaptable, flexible and open to your ideas about what you would like in the service.
If you have no ideas I can offer you a wealth of options and ideas so you can choose wording that perfectly reflects the life and values of your loved one.
I am comfortable in the presence of all the emotions that people feel when they have lost someone whom they love dearly.
I enjoy working with people from other cultures and will willingly include such parts of their faith, prayers or readings as they wish.

You may be interested in comments from some people I have helped as a Funeral Celebrant:

Thank you for conducting our sister's funeral in such a caring and meaningful way. It was a really lovely service you conducted.Sarah

We want to say thank you for steering us through our goodbyes to Dad. I am thankful you were able to meet us in our loss with your kindly manner. We value your guidance in giving him such a loving and uplifting send-off. Jenny

All of our family are most appreciative of the warm and caring guidance and counselling you provided us after our mother died. It is not easy to make funeral arrangements but with your help and the dignified and efficient way you conducted the service we were able to provide Mum and funeral which was a celebration of her life and her love, while providing a comfort to those where were there. We are very grateful to you. Peter

Funeral Planning

Creating ceremonies to reflect you and all that matters to you

I am happy to assist people to plan their own funerals and believe this can be a significant step in the preparation for the final stage of life's journey.

Having a relevant farewell planned, with music, readings and messages chosen, can assist the 'letting go' process and give peace of mind.

My family history writing service is a further service for those who wish to record the memories of their lifetime and the process is an affirming and satisfying project as well as a wonderful legacy for family members and friends.

They are, indeed, a 'Gift of a Lifetime'.

Memorial and Interment Ceremonies

These are available when a funeral service has been conducted at another place and time, and have the benefit of including those who were not present for the original ceremony.

They can include as much or as little as you think appropriate for your circumstances.

They are often a full ceremony given for another group of people, or the same group of people in a different place, such as burying or scattering ashes.

These services give closure and help people move forward. Let us reflect all that your loved one meant to you with words that inspire and bring comfort and encouragement.

Contact me to discuss how I can assist you in planning your ceremony.