What comes after the funeral?
In the weeks and months following a loss, you may experience many strong emotions – most commonly, grief.
Grief doesn’t have a time frame. It’s unique for each person.
However, directly after the funeral, that grief can seem overwhelming.
Funeral planning can often act as a distraction from the grief you’re feeling. Your mind is set on working towards a particular date, and it’s often the time when your support network are closest.
After the funeral, the reality of your loss will often start to truly set in, which can leave you feeling isolated and lost. It’s a stressful time and there’s still a lot to do, with important decisions surrounding memorials, headstones or ashes adding to the pressure.
However, there is always support for those who need it.
We’ve put together some guidance for finding support in the days, weeks and months after the funeral.
Bereavement counselling and support
There are a number of organisations that can offer trained support with bereavement, both face-to-face and by website or phone. Find a list of both local and national organisations here.
You can also talk to your GP if you’re struggling to cope. They will be able to offer advice and refer you to appropriate services.
Bereavement support groups are a good opportunity to connect with others who have been, or are going, through a similar experience. You can search ‘support groups near me’ on any search engine to find your local group.
If you’re within reach of Birmingham, Morton’s Monday Club is a monthly bereavement support group in Northfield. The club, open to everyone, is dedicated to serving members of the community who have experienced a bereavement. It’s a chance to gain mutual support from others, and there are regular guest speakers who talk on a range of topics.
Headstones and urns
After the funeral, the next steps often include taking care of ashes or a grave. Both of these serve as an important lasting memorial of your loved one, and you might need time to make the right decision for you.
Mortons has long standing connections with local Stonemasons, as well as a range of urns and we are available to help you decide on the right tribute for your loved one.
If you would like a physical memorial to remember that person, such as a bench or plaque, you can also come to us for advice on the local bylaws and your options. Our lines are open at 0121 476 9111.
Scattering or burying ashes
If your loved one was cremated, after the funeral you might be thinking about the perfect final resting place for their ashes. This is an important decision, and you can take as long as you need with it.
Whilst there are few limitations regarding the burying or scattering of ashes in the UK, some places require special permission. Mortons is very familiar with these processes, and we are available to advice and with any forms or administration, should you need it. We are also equipped to obtain approval for the repatriation of your loves one’s ashes to or from the UK.
Alternatively, you may wish to turn a small portion of the ashes into a commemorative piece, such as jewellery. Whatever your thoughts regarding your loved one’s ashes, please to talk to us as these options are varied and many.
If you have questions or concerns about the next steps for a loved
one’s ashes, or just want to talk through your options, you can call
us on 0121 476 9111.