WE at Christophers’ Family Funerals will be holding an open day between 10am-4pm on Wednesday 10th May at Homelands Hall, Jetty Marsh Road, Newton Abbot, where the following people will be able to talk you about a number of different subjects related to death and planning for it. 

Anyone is welcome and the object of the open day is to get people aware and even prepared for death.

The theme for this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week is encouraging communities across the country to come together to talk about death, dying and grief in the workplace. 

We want to help start that conversation by having an interactive session where you can demystify death, dying and bereavement. 

People usually want to do the right thing when someone they know is caring, dying or grieving. But often they can feel awkward offering help, or worry about making things worse. People can have questions about serious illness or death. But often they don’t know who to ask.

As part of the event, we’ll also tell you a little bit more about what we do. You can meet members of our staff team and find out about our work in the wider community and the difference we make to the lives of our patients and their families. 

Making plans when you’re healthy means there is less to think about when you’re ill. But often people put off making plans until it is too late.

If you’d like to join us, please come along

Demystifying death is about giving people knowledge, skills and opportunities to plan and support each other through death, dying, loss and care.

=Karenne Weaver, Rowcroft Hospice, says: ‘I have worked in palliative care for over 15yrs. I can offer information on advance care planning, tissue donation and general palliative care ie symptom control and what Rowcroft offers the community.’

Christine Dumbelton writes: ‘I’m an independent funeral celebrant, based in Ashburton and one of my aims is to open up conversations about death, dying and how people can have more beautiful, bespoke and meaningful funerals.

=Rev Gareth Regan, Newton Abbot, says: ‘As a Vicar in the Church of England, I am passionate about supporting people in our community at all stages of their lives and preparing for death is a critical part of this. 

‘With this in mind, I look forward to joining up with Tom to encourage people of all ages to start a conversation about the often-considered tricky subject of death.’

Yuli Somme - Bellacouche woolen shrouds, says: ‘We are a small team based on Dartmoor providing award winning wool shrouds as an alternative to a wood-based coffin.

Inspired by an ancient British law enacted in 1667 that the dead be buried in wool, we provide simple, eloquent and safe

options for eco-friendly funerals.  The wool is certified British organic, and the wood support is sourced from Dartmoor.’

‘The knowledge that my brother was snuggly wrapped in his cocoon plus its beauty meant a comforting memory for me’

Stan Charles-Jones – Dogs Trust Ilfracombe says: ‘I will be on hand to discuss Dogs Trust’s free Canine Care Card service. In the instance that you were to pass away, move into a care home, or receive a life changing diagnosis, registering with the service ensures that your dog(s) will be looked after if you are no longer able to. At Dogs Trust we are hugely grateful to those that support us, with in memory collections and donations, choosing to purchase a memorial tag for a loved one or their fundraising efforts.’

C. Courtney says: ‘ During the week we will be encouraging the public to discuss what they want for the end of their lives with those close to them.

‘We will also be encouraging people to take five simple steps to make their end of life experience better, both for them and for their loved ones. These are: Write your will; Record your funeral wishes; Plan your future care and support; Consider registering as an organ donor; Tell your loved ones your wishes.’

On Wednesday 10th May 2023

10am - 4pm

Christophers’ Family Funerals

Homelands Hall, Jetty Marsh Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2SL.

Visit our website https://www.christophersfunerals.co.uk/