Circle Funerals

Fox's Glacier Mints had always been one of his favourite sweets, so his family decided to include them as a small personal touch at his funeral.

As people left the service, they were invited to take a mint from a basket by the door. It was a simple idea, but one that prompted conversations, smiles and memories of the little things that had been part of his life.

It was a lovely, simple but very personal gesture.

We’re really pleased to share that the Circle Funerals Fund with Forever Manchester is now open for applications.

One of the things that’s important to Jeremy and me is supporting our community, not just when someone dies, but throughout the year in ways that can make a positive difference to people’s lives.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Forever Manchester to create the Circle Funerals Fund, offering grants of up to £1,000 to support small grassroots community groups in South Trafford and neighbouring areas.

We know that some of the most valuable work in our communities is carried out quietly by volunteers and small local organisations. Whether it’s supporting children and young people, older people, carers, emotional wellbeing, bereavement, food projects, sport or helping people develop new skills, these groups often make an enormous difference with very limited resources.

Being able to give something back to the communities that support us is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we hope this fund will help some fantastic local projects continue the valuable work they do.

If you’re involved with a local community group, or know one that could benefit, we’d really encourage you to have a look. Applications are open until 16 July.

You can find out more and apply here:

https://forevermanchester.com/fund/circle-funerals-fund/

We’d also be really grateful if you could share this post so it reaches as many eligible groups as possible.

One thing people sometimes notice when they look at our website is that we don't offer funeral packages for attended funerals...this is very much a conscious decision and we believe, allows us to provide the most personalised and tailored support we can.

We did consider whether we should offer Bronze, Silver and Gold packages because that's something many people expect to see, but in the end, we decided against it because, in reality, no two funerals are the same. Every person is different and every family is different. Some people want to keep things very simple, whilst others have ideas that are completely unique to the person who has died. Some want to spend time visiting them before the funeral, some want family members to carry the coffin, some have a particular vehicle, music or flowers in mind, and others don't.

We didn't want anyone to feel they had to choose the package that was 'closest' to what they wanted and then start adding or taking things away.

Instead, we begin with a conversation about the person who has died, what's important to you and the kind of funeral that feels right. We then prepare an individual, itemised estimate so you can see exactly what you're paying for and make decisions about the things that matter most to you.

A simple funeral we help a family to arrange can take just as much care and thought as one with lots of different elements. Neither is better, they're simply different. For us, that's always felt like the right approach, because no two people are the same and no two funerals are either.

I think I (Sara) may have found my coffin.

Yesterday we visited the National Funeral Exhibition in Coventry and I spent quite a while chatting to Izzy from Pea Green, the designer behind The Last Dance Coffins, which has been created in collaboration with Parley Green.

As well as being beautiful, the coffins are environmentally conscious, offering a more sustainable alternative for people who are looking to reduce the environmental impact of their funeral choices.

Izzy told me that the idea for her first coffin design came from a conversation with a friend who was approaching the end of her life and thinking about what she wanted. I think knowing that story helped me understand why these designs feel so thoughtful and personal.

The Day Gardener or The Night Gardener would absolutely be my choice. Not because I think everyone should choose one, quite the opposite. I think what I love most about them is the reminder that there are far more options available than many people realise.

For some people, a traditional coffin will feel exactly right. For others, something colourful, artistic and a little unexpected might feel much more like them. That's the beauty of choice. There doesn't have to be one right answer, just the option to create something that feels personal and meaningful.

I can imagine people arriving at a funeral and immediately noticing one of these designs. It becomes a talking point and sparks conversations and memories. It says something about the person before a single word of the service has been spoken.

What I love most is not that these would be my choice, but that they might be somebody else's and for the right person, I think they could be absolutely wonderful.

https://thelastdancecoffins.com

Content note: this post discusses su***de bereavement.

This can be a difficult subject to talk about and for many people a difficult subject to read about.

It’s also important that people know what support is available, particularly after a su***de bereavement as this can bring a unique and often very complex form of grief.

The Sing Their Name Choir is hosting an awareness evening for anyone who would like to learn more about the peer support they offer to adults bereaved by su***de who live or work in Greater Manchester.

Whether you have lost someone to su***de yourself, or you support people who have, this evening will provide an opportunity to learn more about the choir and the role that peer support, connection and singing can play after a bereavement.

Support matters, and sometimes simply knowing that support is available can be the first step towards accessing it.

Sing Their Name Choir Awareness Evening

Wednesday 17 June
7.00pm
53Two, Arch 19, Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP

More information and free registration:
https://www.singtheirnamechoir.com/

***de

We were incredibly touched to receive this recent review from Maria.

When someone dies, families are often trying to navigate unfamiliar decisions, practical arrangements and strong emotions. One of the things we hope to do is make things a little easier and provide reassurance through our support.

Maria shared that the family had spoken with several funeral directors before choosing us to support them and that from the very first phone call she felt listened to, informed and supported.

She also mentioned something that meant a great deal to us and we will always try to do wherever possible…once the necessary paperwork had been completed, we were able to bring her father into our care that day. Whilst that may seem like a practical detail, we know how important it can feel for families to know their person is with us, in Altrincham and being cared for.

Thank you, Maria, for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review and for trusting us to support your family.

Sara & Jeremy