A funeral director has described his experience supporting families through a ‘devastating’ year

A funeral director has described his experience of supporting families through a ‘devastating’ year.

Charlie Webster, from the B Littler Co-op Funeralcare based in Salford, has described how the funeral sector has had to adapt as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Funerals were heavily impacted as a result of the first lockdown, and especially so in the North West, Charlie said.

According to the Office of National Statistics, between March and May 2020, the North West had the second highest rate of COVID-19 deaths, closely behind London.

Councils set strict guidelines in March for funerals in the region and only 10 people were allowed to attend burial and crematorium services.

Charlie said: “As funeral directors our job is to support others at their greatest time of need. During the first lockdown, when the initial restrictions were enforced, it was really difficult to provide the same type of support to families who had lost a loved one. For example, we would have to speak to families over the phone rather than seeing them in person.

“It was especially heart breaking for families, unable to see their loved ones, who had spent their final days in nursing homes. It was devastating for many families in the region who couldn’t have a regular funeral service for their relative.

“With the second lockdown, we had a much greater understanding of how we could best support families. With more information available, and carefully considering what we learnt last time round, we could be open and honest with the families and work with them to give their loved one the best send-off possible.”

The current government guidance now allows up to 30 people to attend a funeral.

Charlie said: “Unlike the first lockdown, we can now allow families to say goodbye to their loved ones in the chapel of rest, prior to the funeral taking place, which provides great comfort.

“We have an amazing support network within the team, and always call upon each other to discuss how we can fulfil a family’s request.”

Charlie added: “The team and I have gone above and beyond to deliver families’ wishes to ensure the funeral is how they had hoped, despite the current limitations that we must adhere to.

“Our focus is to support as many families as we can through these unprecedented times to arrange fitting and special send offs for their loved ones.”

Originally from Derbyshire, Charlie initially worked in administration and management before moving to Staffordshire where he started out his career working behind the scenes in funeral services.

Thirteen years ago, he then moved to Manchester and says he has never looked back since.

From shadowing a fellow Funeral Director, Charlie said he was inspired to support others and worked hard to complete his training to achieve the position as Funeral Director of the B Littler Co-op Funeralcare Home.

Charlie said: “I love my job. My role is incredibly rewarding, and it has given me comfort to know we can take some of the stress away from families who are suffering a bereavement. We provide as much help as we can to ensure they never feel alone.”

 

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