Central England Co-op Funeralcare puts Bedford families first

They continue to balance being here to help those who have lost a loved one with ensuring they do so in a safe but compassionate way. This includes offering a free counselling service for grieving friends and relatives.

The organisation’s funeral directors are now more equipped than ever to use their experiences from the past few months to help families overcome any restrictions by ensuring bespoke and personal farewells are still able to take place.

Caring and experienced team members are available at any hour of the day or night to take calls and give families any advice they may need.

Aiden Phillips, senior funeral director, said: “Our colleagues see their roles not as a job, but as a vocation, so the current restrictions have really impacted them and how they want to help families.

“However, they have all decided to make sure that they can continue to go above and beyond where possible to make each send-off as personal as possible.

“And, when special arrangements cannot be made, they are supporting families by looking to the future and helping them prepare and plan memorial events and celebrations of life for when things return to normal.

“In these uncertain times we want to reassure people that everything we do is in the interests of keeping them safe and well, both for our colleagues and the communities in which we work.”

Central England Co-op Funeralcare continues to work around the clock ahead of any potential further alterations to the way funerals are planned and services are held.

This includes ensuring extra social distancing measures are being put in place at funeral homes to keep colleagues and clients safe, such as hand sanitising stations, and continued innovation with the use of phone and email to help families plan the funeral of a loved one.

The funeralcare provider will also be keeping a close eye on guidance related to the number of mourners able to attend funerals and will advise families accordingly based on the local rules and regulations.

It also offers services such as Grief Chat, a free, informal service with a bereavement counsellor, and a full directory of help and support, from writing a sympathy card to a personal eulogy.

The Society can also support those looking to manage their funeral by pre-paying, which can cost as little as £7 per week.

Aiden added: “Certainly we would advise people to pre-plan if there’s something specific that they would like for their funeral service.

“Pre-planning lessens the burden on friends and family. At the time of need, whether the death is expected or not, it is an emotional time for all involved.

“A pre-planned funeral means that the family can take some comfort from the fact that the person who’s passed away is having their wishes met.”

- Benefits of pre-paid plans, which start from £1,495, include:

- Securing a funeral at today’s prices without worrying about year-on-year price rises

- Everything included in a Central England Co-op pre-paid plan is fully guaranteed

- Being available without medical or health questions and have no upper age limit

Paying in full or spreading the cost across up to 60 months. All money will be secure and protected, invested in a regulated whole-of-life insurance policy in agreement with the rules and guidelines set out by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA)

As standard, Co-op funeral plans include all funeral director’s fees and services, hearse and support, cremation or interment, family support and minister fees.

Further information is available by visiting www.centralengland.coop/funeralcare/ or you can find direct details of your nearest home at https://stores.centralengland.coop/funeral

More details about funeral plans are available at www.prepaidfunerals.coop/plan100 or by calling 01543 886975.