Lesley Warden Funeral Celebrant

23/08/2025

This bank holiday weekend, be kind to yourself and do what’s right for you 💜

Long weekends can feel lonely when you’re grieving. Whether it’s the pressure to be ‘having fun’ or feeling the absence of your loved one.

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

22/08/2025

We are looking to share more writing from bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents about the pain of grief, but also what has helped to support you, as a way to offer reassurance, encouragement and hope to others.

We encourage people from all backgrounds and walks of life to reach out to us, and would particularly like to hear from individuals who identify as part of an underrepresented community.

We would like to share pieces of writing on our social media, in Compassion magazine, in supportive e-newsletters and on our website. View our supportive blogs here: https://www.tcf.org.uk/guest-blogs/

Get in touch with us at info@tcf.org.uk for more information.

22/08/2025

There's still time to register for our next 'Let's Talk About Grief' session: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Bereaved People

If you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and grieving, please join us for this free online session on Thursday 28th August.

For more information and to book your place, please visit our website ⬇️

https://www.cruse.org.uk/lets-talk-about-grief/

With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our 'Let's Talk About Grief' sessions.

18/08/2025

14/08/2025

Really disappointed to see a shared post earlier on LinkedIn from a Therapist, claiming to people grieving, that how they feel now is the worst they will feel, and it won’t ever be this hard.

This my dear friends, is why Grief Literacy and Education is so important.

This kind of language is exactly why so many people struggling after a Bereavement start to think there is something wrong with them, question their mental health, wonder why everyone else seems to “move on” quicker than they have - and what does that do? Silences.

We stop someone from expressing how they feel, because society and all the “well meaning” posts are telling us how we feel may be wrong, abnormal, different.
So we keep those thoughts and feelings inside, to ourselves, push them down.. 😢

It’s not one size fits all, you won’t make it better by Sharing a “brighter days are coming” image - do better 🫶🏼

10/06/2025

04/06/2025

"It’s so important to talk about grief because it never goes away, it never leaves you." 💜

Sarah's husband, Carlos, died suddenly in January 2023. His death was a huge shock to Sarah and left her looking for answers.

Although her grief will never go away, slowly but surely, her life has started to grow around it.

After receiving support from Cruse, we're incredibly grateful to Sarah for sharing her story with us ⬇️

https://www.cruse.org.uk/about/blog/sarahs-story/

30/05/2025

Witnessing a coffin going into a cremator.

If you want to, you can do this.

It’s called ‘charging’ the coffin, and for some faiths, witnessing the charge is an essential part of the funeral ritual.

But it’s not something confined to faith groups.

If the person arranging the cremation agrees, and with advance notice to the crematorium, it’s possible for anyone, of any faith or of none, to watch the coffin go into the cremator.

For some, this accompaniment of their person until the very last possible moment is a final fulfilment, a completion of the physical journey they’ve shared in life. For others, it may feel too much, or not necessary. It’s a very personal decision, but we feel that everyone organising a cremation should know that this final moment is possible, even if it’s not something that feels right for you.

One of the GFG directors invited their brothers to witness their mother’s coffin being charged. Although reluctant at first, both were mesmerised by the beauty and power of this final moment, and were so grateful to have shared it. They hadn’t realised it was allowed - and, to be honest, hadn’t even thought about whether it might be.

We want everyone to know that yes, it’s possible, and yes, you’re allowed.

30/03/2025

If today feels heavy, please know you don't have to face it alone. Whatever today brings up for you, we're here to listen day or night on 116 123 📱

16/03/2025

Leave For Every Loss – pre-24 week loss to be recognised as bereavement.

Today, the Government has committed to granting bereavement leave to anyone affected by pre-24 week pregnancy loss. This is an important step forward, and we look forward to hearing the detail of how this change in employment law will be implemented.

Our CEO, Vicki Robinson, said:

“We are extremely pleased to see, that for the first time ever, those experiencing pre-24-week pregnancy loss will be officially recognised in bereavement leave legislation.

“The Government’s commitment that pre-24 week pregnancy loss will be included in bereavement leave law, via the Employment Rights Bill, is an important milestone, and provides long-overdue validation that this type of loss can be experienced as a bereavement like any other.

“This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the Miscarriage Association, Sarah Owen MP, our partner organisations, and individuals in calling for change through our Leave for Every Loss campaign.

“Whilst this is a very positive and welcome step forward, we are committed to engage with the Government as the Bill passes through the next stages to ensure it is enshrined in legislation and the details fully support our community.”

We hope you will join us in continuing to advocate for those going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss.

Find out more about today’s updates here: https://ow.ly/z3bc50VfZr1

_____________

Sarah Owen MP Sands, the stillbirth & neonatal death charity Tommy's The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Aching Arms UK NCT Trades Union Congress (TUC) Co-op Footprints Baby Loss Little Wings of Hope CIC Anam Cara Fasgadh MISS The Worst Girl Gang Ever Public Page NASUWT Pregnant Then Screwed

23/12/2024

Through the Silence of Christmas ❤️
Beneath the twinkle of winter's glow,
Lies a hush only the grieving know.
The carols play, the bells resound,
Yet hearts ache for what's not around.

The chair sits empty, the stocking still,
A silence that no joy can fill.
But in the quiet, a warmth appears,
Memories glowing through the tears.

The love we shared, it never fades,
It lingers through the darkened days.
Though Christmas feels a shade less bright,
Their spirit whispers in the night.

So light a candle, soft and true,
For love endures, and they shine through.
In every star, in every song,
They're with us still, where they belong.
~unknown.

22/12/2024

If you need support over the festive period, you're not alone.

Our helpline phone lines will be open from 10am - 2pm on:
Christmas Day
27th December
30th December

If you’re struggling and the helpline isn’t available, please do call Samaritans on 116 123.

https://ow.ly/uusE50Uqx4L