Daniel Ross Funerals, a family owned Funeral Directors of Eachelhurst Road, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield has launched a Child Bereavement Support Campaign in conjunction with the National Association of Funeral Directors, Perfect Choice Funeral Plans and the bereavement charity Penhaligons’ Friends.
They have contributed to the funding of the publication of a Bereavement Handbook entitled “Remember Me Always” as it is estimated that around 85% of funerals have a child touch point where the loss may be a grandparent, aunt/uncle, friend or more tragically, a parent or sibling. The guide explains how to approach difficult subjects, including breaking bad news to a child, explaining burial and cremation, how best to help a child express their feelings and gives valuable advice to a parent as they toy with the options and decisions involved in a funeral such as should they allow their child to the chapel of rest or to attend the funeral.
“Remember Me Always” is the fourth in a series of user friendly guides – the other three titles being aimed at assisting schools, healthcare professionals and the clergy. The Authors both work for Penhaligon’s Friends and have drawn on their personal experiences as well as research.
Sarah Wolsey, owner of the Eachelhurst Road funeral home, said, “These guides have been written by child bereavement experts and offer support and advice on a range of subjects. In my role as a Funeral Director, I am often asked for my advice on these subjects, and luckily I have spent time volunteering with bereavement counselling and support groups, but I realise that I am in a minority. When I first saw these guides I was impressed with how accessible they are, easy to use with attractive illustrations. As it is a subject close to my heart, I didn’t hesitate to meet the publishing costs and make all four of these guides available free of charge for those people with a genuine need and where the need is anticipated. This guide is particularly valuable before the death has actually occurred as it allows a parent to think about the options before they have to make a decision about them”.
For further information on how to obtain a free copy “Remember Me Always” or one of its sister publications aimed at professionals, please pop in to the funeral home at Grace Mary House, 255 Eachelhurst Road, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1DT or contact Daniel Ross Funerals on 0121 313 0054.