Changes to bereavement services as a result of COVID-19
COVID-19 restrictions in Kirklees tells you more about what this means.
Losing a loved one is heart breaking at any time, but it is even more challenging during the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
As the pandemic affects how we work, shop and socialise, we are all learning to live in new ways, and unfortunately, we have to learn how to deal with death differently as well.
Below is some information to help you understand the options around funerals and memorials at this time.
Your funeral options
Kirklees Bereavement Service offers both cremations and burials. These can be booked through a funeral director or direct through bereavement services.
Why these changes have had to be made
The council has had to change how we offer funerals in our crematoria and cemeteries to protect people from this deadly virus, to limit the pressure on the NHS and to make sure we can continue to offer an essential service to the people of Kirklees.
By offering services in this way we can safely follow the government's social distancing guidance and reduce the risk for both staff and those attending the funeral, especially older and more vulnerable people catching COVID-19.
Support for people struggling to cope with loss at this time
We are enhancing our bereavement support package to provide additional support for you during this difficult time, so that whilst you may not be able to be in the chapel, you are still part of that important ceremony. Your funeral director will be able to support you with planning the service and will often be able to provide emotional support.
If you need to talk to someone else about your loss, please call: 01484 456999 option 4.
The government website includes lots of advice on how to deal with a passing of a loved one; it covers finance and other practical information. GOV UK: When someone dies
You will find a list of charities that offer counselling or advice on how to deal with grief below.
Supporting people to say goodbye after the pandemic
We are all looking to the future, when this terrible time is behind us, when we are able to come together and comfort each other, to share stories of those we have lost and celebrate their lives.
Whilst a committal ceremony is an important part of the bereavement process, there are other opportunities for memorials to celebrate the life of a loved one. These could take place once the government lifts restrictions.
Some options you may want to discuss with your funeral director include:
- Interring or scattering your loved one's ashes
- Adding a loved one's details to the book of remembrance.
- Buying a memorial for your loved one to be kept at home of at the crematoria
- A memorial in a location close to your loved one's heart
Day of remembrance
Once we are able to gather in groups again, we will be working with councillors, partners, funeral directors, faith networks and the bereaved to develop a day of remembrance.
This will allow everyone who has lost someone during the pandemic to come together to pay their respects to family members who have passed away.
Places to go for advice and support
Below are some organisations that offer specialist bereavement support.