When the Coronavirus first struck in Wuhan city in January, none of us could have foreseen that, by the middle of March, our country would be in lockdown with all, but essential services and shops closed for business.
These really are unprecedented times with everyone affected in some way or another. This is, of course, a particularly difficult time for grieving families with significant restrictions on the way funeral services can be conducted.
I send my heartfelt sympathies to those of you who have lost a loved one, whether to Coronavirus or any other illness or cause. I realise the distress it may cause that you are unable to give your loved one the funeral you or they would have wished for.
We recognise that some of the necessary changes we have made to our service may be particularly unfortunate at what is already an extremely difficult time for you. The restrictions are, however, in place to protect others from contracting or spreading coronavirus and to protect other families from losing their loved ones.
Inevitably you will have concerns or worries, our Funeral Directors and Arrangers are there to help and advise you at any time on the latest situation, which is constantly changing with restrictions on services and availability varying in different locations. We are regularly updating our website with the latest information and attempting to answer your questions here.
As this epidemic has progressed, we have been continually planning with our teams across the UK, working with governing bodies to help shape the national response and following the very latest Government guidance, and guidance via our membership of both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Irish Association of Funeral Directors.
More than ever, we need to continue to work together and support each other in the weeks and months to come. Our highest priority has been to keep the families we serve and our employees safe and ensuring that the dignity of the deceased is always kept foremost in our minds.
We will continue to do all we can to support you with any questions or queries you may have. Please call your local funeral home for more information, our telephone support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Best wishes
Sam Kershaw
CEO, Funeral Partners
