Ceremonies for babies and children ?
Ceremonies for those who have taken their own life
Death as the result of a serious crime
Talking to children about funerals and death
Beliefs on death from the world's main religions & philosophies
After the funeral
Sample brochure and Memorial cards

1. Specialist FuneralsCeremonies for babies and children

If anyone is a lover of gardens, they will know that, even within a beautiful garden tended by the most skillful botanist, there is occasionally a rose that buds, but never fully opens. In all respects this rose is like all the other roses in its charm and smile, but something keeps that particular rose from blooming to full adult maturity. The death of a baby or child is like one such beautiful rose that budded but never fully opened in all its splendour on this side of earth.

2. Ceremonies for those who have taken their own lives

Love can be revealed and displayed in many ways. It has been said, that when
an individual takes their own life it is, strangely, just another way of showing love. Sadly, this does not remove the pain for those who are left
behind.

Suicide is often seen as something that happens to other families; not mine.
It can trigger huge 'What if's and 'If only's' among those who are left to cope. Many people who are considering suicide often send out misleading signals that are difficult (for us) to read. One such signal may even be
love. This still leads us to ask; "Why?" , "Why did you do this to me?

Didn't you know I loved you?" The truth is that those who take their own life are not out to hurt you, their intention is to hurt themselves. Of
course, that pains us, too.

3. Death as a result of serious crime

The death of an individual as a result of murder, manslaughter or unlawful
killing is truly devastating. It can be argued that there is no cure for the survivors after such trauma. Lives are tragically changed forever. Nothing in life can prepare us for the murder or unlawful killing of a loved one.
However, survivors can find help and share their sorrow and loss. Many survivors have constructed new lives with a renewed sense of purpose. It is a sad and widely held misconception that the crime of murder or unlawful killing leaves behind no victims; often the most devastated victims are the
survivors. Can you and I do anything to help survivors? Yes we can.

- Stay in constant touch
- Allow people to repeat information and stories
- Be honest yet, allow survivors to make their own choices
- Listen-listen-listen and be non-judgmental
- Ask about the victim and always use the victim's name
- Allow the expression of anger-rage-frustration
- Encourage expression of sadness: tears are healing
- Offer assistance; practical, emotional or financial
- Give special attention to surviving children
- Offer "after-support" , after the funeral, after the trial, after the 1st year.....

This booklet on the above Specialist Funerals is available within the Funeral Pack given to all families.

Beliefs on death from the world's main religions and philosophies

Bespoke Civil Funerals are unique because, we do not preach any philosophy, or religious message to you at the funeral. Instead we respect your own values and beliefs. Many people who decide to have a Civil Funeral may believe in God and your experienced Funeral Celebrant, Neil Dorward, will be happy to say a prayer or lead a hymn if this is the family's wish. You decide the tone and nature of the funeral. Your needs and wishes, and those of your dearly departed come first.

This Booklet is also available within the Funeral Pack given to all families.

What the major religions say about death

CHRISTIANITY
For Christians who have faith in Jesus' death and resurrection on Easter Sunday, death is not the end but the beginning of a new life with God in Heaven.

HINDUISM
Hindu's believe each of us must ultimately confront our mortality. Hindu's believe we have been born and have died before, and in reincarnation.

JUDAISM
In Judaism, death is not a tragedy. Death, like life has meaning and death is all part of God's plan. In addition, Jews have a firm belief in an afterlife -a world to come.

BUDDHISM
Buddhism may be thought of as a philosophy rather than a religion The teachings of Sidartha Gutama (Buddha), talk of the progression of the soul after death.

HUMANISM
The Humanist contends that death is an end to a complete life. Death is final. There is no God, no heaven, no reunion with loved ones. There is nothing after death. That's it, the end.

ISLAM
Muslims believe that this world is their one and only chance to earn the gift of Paradise. Those who live according to the truth and the Qur'an will achieve Paradise. There is no 2nd chance.

PAGANISM
Most Pagans believe in reincarnation. Our souls come back to learn new lessons.
Between lives, our souls rest and reflect on the experiences of completed lives.

After the funeral

Sometimes, arranging a funeral can keep us very busy since, there are all sorts of practical arrangements that need our attention. Often, it is only after the funeral day that the full impact of your loved one's death is experienced. The quiet house, the little mementos and objects that are still
in their familiar place all over the home. No more simple joys like saying 'Good night' or making someone a cup of tea. Feelings of sadness, grief, maybe anger with 'God', are natural feelings. Some 'marks' and 'scars' of
sorrow may never leave us.

However, there will come a time when we can move forward and look to the future. Death may remind us of how precious and short life really is, while other people say that death allow them to see life in a new way and, be thankful for the love and blessings we receive from our loved one.

Death can induce feelings of guilt for missed opportunities. Perhaps we never got the opportunity to say a proper 'goodbye' or tell someone they were loved. After the funeral, when the time is right for you, take a few
moments to be truly thankful for all that you shared with your loved one.

Sample Funeral Brochure

Sample credit card size Memorial Cards

Talking to a child about funerals and death
The days surrounding a death can be a confusing and disorientating time for
young children. When it comes to talking to children about death, it is important to find out what your child already knows and believes about death. Listen to what they know and believe and then provide the facts in simple, honest terms.

We often use euphemisms such as "Granny has passed away", "Grandpa is sleeping," or "we lost Grandma" instead of the words "dead" and "died." Some psychologists claim that these softened explanations can cause fears in young children. Fears, for example, they too may get 'lost' or go for a 'nap' and never wake up. However, it is worth remembering that, children see the evidence of life and death in many areas of their lives. They see and
hear about it on the television, in movies and cartoons. Even a simple walk in the park or to school can result in a child seeing a dead bird or other small animal or they may have experienced the death of a pet.

If possible, begin a dialogue with your child about how all living things on this earth will die someday. Tell your child that when someone or something dies, we might feel sad or confused and might even cry-and that's okay. Look through photo albums, talk about special memories and their relationship with the deceased. Encourage them to write a letter or draw a picture that can be placed somewhere special.

Children can often have remarkable insights into the meaning of death. You may not be the first adult to talk to a child about death, and find yourself comforted and consoled by their wisdom.