Funeral directors launch free bereavement counselling in Fife

Families in Fife, who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, are to be offered free bereavement support as part of a new scheme by funeral directors and qualified counsellors.

Sheila Matthew, Crosbie Matthew funeral undertaker, Kirkcaldy

The service is being made available to clients of Crosbie Matthew Funeral Directors Ltd, as part of a partnership between the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and bereavement support specialist, Professional Help Ltd.

As one of Fife’s longest established family firms, dating back to 1939, Crosbie Matthew Funeral Directors have been supporting families for 80 years, with funeral homes in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Dalgety Bay (Dunfermline).

Under SAIFCare, family members will be offered up to six free counselling sessions, which can be used by one person or split between various members of a family.

You may also be interested in:

Video: driver who injured tourists on pavement spared jail

Fifers denied right to own home developer claims

Fife classes hit as Scottish Slimmers ceases trading

Delivered by a qualified bereavement counsellor, the sessions can take place at a location of the bereaved person’s choosing or by telephone, online chat or email.

Sheila Matthew of Crosbie Matthew, a member of SAIF, said: “As funeral directors, we often see people at the start of their journey of grief and feel we would like to do more to assist, as we know that feelings of sadness and loss don’t end with the funeral.

“This service enables us to go above and beyond for the families in our care in order to ensure they get the support and advice they need at life’s most difficult time,” she said.

Funeral profession trade association SAIF piloted the service with 13 of its funeral director members last year and quickly identified a need to expand it across a wider area. Funeral directors who are members of the organisation have to opt in to offer the service.

Terry Tennens, chief executive of SAIF, said that demand for bereavement counselling was huge.

“It was clear from our trial that people really welcome and rely on the extra support from their funeral director and we are certain that this will be replicated as we roll the service out to more of our members across the UK,” he said.

“Whether it’s a growing recognition by the NHS of the benefits of counselling, or the current demand placed on existing bereavement organisations, we are in no doubt that more people are seeking help following a death of someone close. It suggests that the famed British stiff upper lip has become outdated, as people become more aware of the benefits of getting professional support at a time of personal crisis. Funeral directors are ideally placed to help”.

For more information go HERE www.crosbiematthew.co.uk or contact any of the three offices: 199 Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy, Tel [phone]; 6 Church Street, Glenrothes [phone] or Moray Way North, Dalgety Bay [phone]