Funerals
Planning a funeral is a deeply personal journey, and at Positive Signs Community, we understand the unique challenges that Deaf individuals and their families may encounter during this time. Our mission is to provide accessible and compassionate support, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral planning process respects and honours your cultural and linguistic needs.
We offer comprehensive resources tailored specifically for the Deaf community, including guidance on arranging services with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, selecting accessible venues, and understanding legal considerations. Our goal is to empower you with the information and tools necessary to create a meaningful and inclusive farewell for your loved one.
Additionally, we provide an AI-powered funeral planning tool designed to assist in organizing the various elements of the service. This user-friendly resource can help you outline preferences, manage logistics, and ensure that all details are thoughtfully considered.
At Positive Signs Community, we are committed to standing by your side, offering support and guidance to help you navigate this journey with confidence and care.
Planning your own funeral is a thoughtful way to ensure your wishes are honoured and to alleviate decision-making burdens on your loved ones during a difficult time. To assist you in this process, our AI planner will guide you through a series of questions designed to compile a comprehensive and personalized funeral plan. Below are the key areas and corresponding questions that will be addressed.
Your Questions about Funerals answered
What to do if someone dies?
Losing someone you love is never easy, and it can be even more overwhelming if you're not sure what steps to take next. Whether you're handling arrangements or simply supporting a loved one through grief, this guide will help you understand the immediate actions you need to take.
If the death was expected and at Home
When a death is expected, especially due to a long illness or old age, it can still be a deeply emotional time. If your loved one passed away at home, there are clear steps to follow to ensure everything is handled with care and in line with legal requirements.
If the death was not expected and at home
An unexpected death at home can be incredibly distressing and confusing. In such situations, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and follow the correct procedures to ensure help arrives quickly and the proper authorities are notified. This guide will support you through those urgent first steps with clarity and compassion.
If the death was expected at Hospital
When someone passes away in a hospital after a period of illness or ongoing treatment, hospital staff are usually prepared to guide you through the next steps. While it may bring some comfort knowing your loved one was in care, there are still important procedures to follow.
If the death was expected in a care home or hospice
When a loved one passes away in a care home or hospice, the staff are trained to handle the situation with dignity and respect. They will help guide you through the immediate steps, including contacting the appropriate professionals and offering emotional support.
How to register the death?
Registering a death is a legal requirement and an important step in settling the affairs of your loved one. It involves providing certain documents and information to the local register office.
Is there government support for funeral costs?
Yes, the government offers Funeral Expenses Payment in England and Wales, or Funeral Support Payment in Scotland, to help with funeral costs. The amount depends on your situation and other available funds, like insurance or the deceased’s estate.
What is Bereavement Support Payment?
If your spouse or civil partner died after 6 April 2017, you may qualify for a £2,500 tax-free payment, plus 18 monthly payments of £100 (£350 if you have children under 18).
Learn About Budgeting Loans
A Budgeting Loan helps cover essential costs like furniture or moving expenses for those on certain benefits. It’s interest-free, and repayments are taken from your benefits.
Children’s Funeral Fund (CFF)
This fund is available to families arranging a children’s funeral in England* to cover the cost of burial or cremation fees.
Find out for more
Pre-Planning for your Funeral
re-planning your funeral allows you to outline your wishes in advance, easing the burden on your loved ones. You can use our AI tool to specify details like service preferences, music choices, and any cultural or linguistic needs.
Find out more
Your Ai Funeral Planner
Your AI Funeral Planner is a tool that helps you plan your funeral wishes in advance, ensuring your preferences are clearly outlined. Whether it's the type of service, music, or specific cultural and linguistic needs, the planner ensures that your wishes are respected.
Find out more
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in funeral planning means that the service can be fully understood and participated in by everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.
Find out more
Why have an Interpreter at a Funeral
Ensuring effective communication at a funeral is essential, especially when Deaf individuals are present. Providing a qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter is crucial.
Find out more
Interpreter Cost
When arranging a funeral service that Deaf individuals will attend, it's essential to provide a qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to ensure inclusivity and effective communication.
Find out more.
Writing an Obituary
an opportunity to share personal stories, achievements, and the impact they had on their community. For Deaf individuals, including their involvement in the Deaf community and cultural milestones can be a meaningful way to reflect their unique life.
The Five Stages of Grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and each person's path is unique. By acknowledging these stages, we can better comprehend the emotions that accompany loss and offer compassion to ourselves and others during such times.
Find out more
Resources for Support
For those seeking additional support, various organisations offer resources and helplines.
What is an Officiant?
In UK ceremonies, the term "officiant" refers to the individual who leads or conducts the service. Depending on the nature of the ceremony—be it religious, civil, or humanist—different titles are used to denote these roles.
Find out more
Civil and Non-Religious Ceremonies
focus on personal beliefs and preferences without religious elements. They can be customized to reflect the individual’s life, with options for accessibility, such as sign language interpreters for Deaf attendees.
What is a Reading
Readings in funeral and memorial services are passages chosen to honor the deceased and offer comfort to the bereaved. Find out more
What is an Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered during a funeral or memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. It typically includes personal stories, achievements, and memories that reflect the person’s character and impact on others.
Find out more
What is a Pallbearer?
A pallbearer is someone chosen to carry or escort the coffin during a funeral. Typically close family or friends, their role symbolizes a final gesture of respect for the deceased.
What Music to choose?
For Deaf people, selecting songs may be more challenging if they haven’t had much exposure to music. To help, we’ve put together a list of ten popular funeral songs often chosen for their emotional meaning and significance.
Funeral Homes
We believe that every individual deserves respectful and accessible funeral services. Our Deaf Aware Pledge Membership is designed to assist funeral homes in providing inclusive services for Deaf individuals and their families.
How we can help at Positive Signs
How can I make a funeral service accessible for Deaf attendees?
To make a funeral service accessible for Deaf attendees, it's essential to incorporate British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, select venues equipped with hearing loop systems, and provide visual aids to facilitate communication. These measures ensure that Deaf individuals can fully participate and engage in the service.
Does Positive Signs Community provide BSL interpreters for funerals?
Yes, Positive Signs Community provides comprehensive guidance on arranging services with BSL interpreters. While they do not supply interpreters directly, they offer resources to help you connect with qualified professionals to ensure effective communication during the service.
How can I select a funeral venue that is accessible to Deaf individuals?
When selecting a venue, consider factors such as adequate lighting for clear visibility, minimal background noise to reduce distractions, and the availability of hearing loop systems. These features enhance the accessibility of the service for Deaf attendees.
What legal considerations should be taken into account when planning a funeral for a Deaf individual in the UK?
While legal requirements for funerals are generally consistent, it's important to ensure that all communications and documentation are accessible to Deaf individuals. This includes providing information in formats that accommodate their needs and ensuring that they fully understand the processes involved.
How can Positive Signs Community's resources empower me during the funeral planning process?
Positive Signs Community aims to empower individuals by providing accessible and compassionate support, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral planning process respects and honors the cultural and linguistic needs of the Deaf community. Their resources are tailored to address the unique challenges faced during this time.
What is the Deaf Aware® Audit offered by Positive Signs Community?
The Deaf Aware® Audit is a service provided by Positive Signs Community to help organizations assess and improve their inclusivity for the Deaf community. By completing the audit, businesses receive a PDF with their Deaf Aware® rating and tips on how to become more inclusive employers.
How can businesses benefit from the Deaf Aware® Audit in the context of funeral services?
By undertaking the Deaf Aware® Audit, funeral service providers can identify areas for improvement in their accessibility and inclusivity practices. This ensures that they are better equipped to serve Deaf clients with sensitivity and competence, enhancing the overall experience for grieving families.
Are there specific considerations for communicating with Deaf individuals during funeral planning?
Effective communication is crucial. It's important to use clear, direct language and consider the use of written materials or visual aids. Ensuring that Deaf individuals have access to all necessary information in an accessible format is essential for their full participation in the planning process.
How can I support a Deaf individual who is grieving?
Supporting a grieving Deaf individual involves providing accessible communication, such as using sign language or written notes, and being patient and understanding. Connecting them with Deaf-aware counseling services or support groups can also be beneficial.
What training does Positive Signs Community offer to improve interactions with Deaf individuals?
Positive Signs Community offers resources and training to enhance Deaf awareness. This includes guidance on effective communication strategies, understanding cultural nuances, and creating inclusive environments, all of which are crucial in the context of funeral services.
How can I participate in the Positive Signs Community to access funeral planning resources?
You can join the Positive Signs Community to access a wealth of resources tailored for the Deaf community. Membership provides access to tools, guides, and support networks that can assist in various aspects of life, including funeral planning.
What other services does Positive Signs Community offer to support the Deaf community?
Beyond funeral planning, Positive Signs Community offers services such as Deaf Days, SignCAST, BSL Alphabet resources, and Signing Santa. These initiatives aim to promote inclusivity, provide educational resources, and celebrate Deaf culture.
How can I contact Positive Signs Community for further assistance?
You can contact Positive Signs Community at 020 8064 0192 for further assistance. They are committed to standing by your side, offering support and guidance to help you navigate various journeys with confidence and care.
Where can I find more information about Positive Signs Community's mission and values?
To learn more about Positive Signs Community's mission to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and empower connections, visit their official website. They are dedicated to providing resources and support tailored to the needs of the Deaf community.
Positive Signs. 1A St Lawrence Road, Upminster. Essex. RM14 2UN
020 8064 0192
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