“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.”
— Kahlil Gibran
Here are some links to just a few of the other brilliant people and organisations (national and local) involved in death and dying and funeral arrangement
Natural Death Centre
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who needs help, support and guidance to organise a funeral, either for themselves or a loved one. Includes information on: arranging a funeral; recommended funeral directors; green/natural burials and burial grounds; coffin suppliers and much much more.
Death Cafe
Death Cafes offer people the opportunity to gather together to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. Their objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'.
The Good Funeral Guide
An independent, not-for-profit, social enterprise offering consumer advice and advocacy for anyone arranging a funeral either for themselves or for someone else. They offer a huge amount of information and resources for anyone wanting to learn about death, dying, and funerals, including an excellent blog on all matters relating to funerals.
The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust’s vision is to help people who are bereaved from day one acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.
Funeral Choice
Family run company offering free, independent advice on funeral director options and funeral costs anywhere across the UK.
Dying Matters
Dying Matters is a coalition of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
The Association of Independent Celebrants
Association of professional celebrants across the UK and overseas. Helping people to find the right celebrant - someone who can assist them in designing, planning and conducting tailor-made ceremonies in accordance with their wishes.
Companion Voices
Companion Voices are singers based in the UK, who can be called to the bedside of people who are dying, to share our voices and loving presence.
Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground and Nature Reserve
South Warwickshire’s beautiful nature reserve burial ground is located on the edge of the Cotswolds. Here you can lay a loved one to rest in growing woodland or wildflower meadow, to be at peace in nature.
R. Locke & Son Funeral Directors
Independent Family Funeral Directors based just outside Shipston-on-Stour, who offer a genuinely respectful and compassionate service to the local community.
I have worked with their team on numerous occasions and can wholeheartedly vouch for their kind, supportive and generous approach to funeral directing.