Say goodbye your way and make a good last impression with a The Co-operative Funeralcare plan

Those who plan ahead and arrange their own funeral often see it as an act of kindness – it protects your loved ones from the decision-making and any unplanned costs.

Southern Co-op’s Funeralcare colleagues work hard to ensure they provide a fully bespoke and personalised service, with no pre-prepared packages, ensuring that the funeral service is as unique as the person it is for and gives the benefit of choosing exactly what you want to suit you and your budget.

Claire McGinty is Southern Co-op’s Client Experience & Aftercare Manager and looks after around 60 funeral homes of The Co-operative Funeralcare.

Claire’s passion has led her to quickly rise through the ranks, starting as a Funeral Co-ordinator just a few years ago.

She said: ‘One of the biggest things that we pride ourselves on at The Co-operative Funeralcare is providing the best care, support and experience and we do that by doing whatever it takes for the family.

‘We will do whatever we can to ensure that they get the best funeral, whether they are planning it for themselves or for their loved ones.

‘Our funerals and funeral plans are completely tailor-made so we will go through every single option, and even if it is not in our brochure, we will always try and source the product or service if it is what the client wants.

‘We never assume anything. We are led by the client and their preferences. We make sure that they are aware of everything before making any decisions and it’s up to them to personalise that service how they want it.

‘The fact our funeral plans are pre-paid, inflation-proof and fully guaranteed also helps to put people’s minds at rest knowing there will no major decisions or costs involved when the time comes.

‘That can be anything from a traditional funeral with everybody wearing black to a woodland burial and transported in a double-decker bus.

‘Also funeral plans from us can be amended at a later date for whatever reason, so it is nice to know that they can be adjusted if circumstances change.’

So why is it so important to make a good last impression at a funeral service?

‘One of the biggest things that we say to everyone is that it’s important that it’s done right because you can only do it once,’ added Claire.

‘It has to be 100 per cent what they want the service to be. One of the most important decisions that they will make is where the final resting place will be.

‘If it’s a cremation, where will the ashes go? It’s so important to us that, even if people want to do a traditional funeral, it won’t stop us from making sure that we give that person every single option and choice that is available.

‘We don’t want them to be in a position where they weren’t offered something or didn’t know how much choice was available.

‘We are the professionals and for those people and their loved ones it’s the hardest time when they are grieving.

‘To make so many decisions just after a loved one has passed away is extremely difficult, so we would encourage everyone to plan ahead and arrange their own funeral plan in advance.

‘It saves their loved ones so many decisions at what is one of the most challenging moments in life. We are there to support them through everything.

‘We want people to remember that day as being so appropriate to the person who has passed away to create a lasting memory and a personal service.’

To find out more about The Co-operative Funeralcare or find your nearest Southern Co-op funeral home, visit www.funeralcare.co.uk.