If there’s one thing we have learned from our line of work, it’s the importance of grief support for those who have lost someone close to them, whether it has happened recently or not. Our compassionate and professional team endeavour to provide guidance and support to all the families we help, whatever they may need, but we’re also pleased to share information about local or national campaigns that align with our values.
An annual campaign, National Grief Awareness Week, from The Good Grief Trust, runs from 2nd to 8th December, and as the name suggests, aims to raise awareness of the importance of the grief journey and connect people with the services, resources, information and help available when they need it, any time of year.
This year’s theme is ‘Shine a Light’ – so we’re shining a light on the compassionate Hunnaball Family Funeral Group team, who work their hardest to support bereaved families every day, and ask them to share their insights about grief, life within the funeral industry and why campaigns like National Grief Awareness Week are so important.
Dan, one of our Funeral Directors, touched on the role of the funeral conductor in the grief journey:
“My role in the grieving journey as a Funeral Conductor is to make sure that everything goes faultlessly on the day of the funeral… supporting the families, making sure they can say goodbye to their loved one in the way that they need to.”
Alison, from our Geo Paskell of Manningtree branch, explains what working within the funeral industry has taught her about grief:
“In my role as a Funeral Arranger, I’ve learned a lot about grief. I know that whilst there’s common feelings that we might experience following the loss of a loved one, such as deep sadness, disbelief, and anxiety, there are other factors that will affect our grief. For example, our relationship with the person that’s died will have an influence over how we feel; a husband is going to grieve differently to a sister, a daughter or a friend. How our loved one has died will also have an influence over our feelings; a sudden or tragic death will amplify feelings of shock and disbelief. When we meet with our clients, we understand that what they’re feeling is true to them, and in the early days up to the funeral and beyond we will offer as much guidance and support as we can with empathy and compassion.”
Syrie, one of our Funeral Arrangers from Janet C Davies of Kelvedon branch, talks about how our services can be tailored to deliver the support our clients really need:
“All our funeral arrangers offer mobile home visits. I like to offer these because at such a hard time, many people take comfort from their own surroundings. We can take our time to talk about your loved one and the service that will best suit you and your family, and I can answer any questions you may have and help put your mind at ease. We will always do whatever it takes to help all our clients and families because at such a difficult time… we understand that supporting you through grief with compassion and care is essential.”
Holly discusses the possibilities and open doors she’s found whilst working with us and what it’s been like working in a sector she hadn’t previously considered:
“I started as a Funeral Arranger at Hunnaball’s West Mersea branch, JK May, just under four years ago. I’d never considered working in the funeral industry before, but I’ve grown to absolutely love it. Working with the team both in front of, and behind, the scenes to help family members give their loved ones the perfect final goodbyes is the most rewarding job that I’ve ever done. It’s challenging, it’s interesting, and no two funerals are ever the same. I’ve recently been promoted to Training and Development Coordinator and I’m really enjoying working with new and existing members of the team to build skills, knowledge and confidence across the business.”
Graham, our Community Funeral Arranger, explains how people are at the heart of the dedicated work we do:
“I’m a Community Funeral Director and I’ve been working for the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group now for around 14 years, and I’ve always loved my job because the job is about people, and I’m very much a people’s person. Most of my role is conducting funerals and if I’m not conducting funerals I will be in the community doing a lot of community-based work. We’re heavily involved with local churches, local schools, we work very closely with the local authorities… we like to feel that we can give back to the community, and in giving back we can do things like sponsor Christmas trees and perhaps service sheets for a special church service. We put on our own light candle services every year which are very very popular. But it is about people – it’s about how you look after people, how you treat people and I’m very proud to be working for a company that treats people very very well, and the way we look after our clients is second to none. It’s all about respect, dignity and showing lots of empathy and being very supportive anywhere we can.”
For all of us at The Hunnaball Family Funeral Group, working within the funeral industry to support people during a time of need is more than just a job: it’s a vocation. It means everything to us, and our team, that we can stand by your side on your grief journey. Please reach out whenever you need us, either in your local branch or by calling our helpline on 01206 760049.
About The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust is a charity run by the bereaved, for the bereaved, aiming to bring bereavement services together to connect available support with those that need it, normalise grief and encourage honest, straightforward conversation to help make the pain a little more bearable for those struggling in any way following a loss. Find out more at www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
