APPG for Funerals and Bereavement

The APPG held another super discussion today, discussing the Coroner Service and the challenges facing the system up and down the country. Very grateful to hear from @NAFD_UK on the views of its members and what more can be done to improve the experience of the bereaved.

on the Children’s Funeral Fund, and finally a presentation from NAFPP Secretary Gordon Swan on the work of the FCA to oversee the sector. Many thanks to all of those who contributed.

Parliamentary and external attendees heard from former NAFD President Alison Crake on the topic of the Funeral Expenses Payment, SAIF Government Liaison Officer Paul Allcock on the wider support system, NAFD Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Rachel Bradburne…

Great to be joined by colleagues from across the funeral and cremation sectors last week for the APPG’s latest meeting, a really useful discussion with some important topics covered.

Really pleased to share the work of @theUKCB on the 8 principles and the work of the lived expereince advisory forum LEAF @emcharlesworth3 @ljelliot with the @APPGFB explaining how lived expereince has left its inedible print on the future of bereavement care #sethslegacy

So great to hear about the work of @drlucyhone at the @APPGFB hearing about the bridge between resilience and grief and holding onto the hope and belief that we can survive grief with information and strategies thank you for sharing work and wisdom

Fantastic to hear from two wonderful speakers today in UK Bereavement Commissioner Lesley Goodburn and resilience researcher Dr Lucy Hone, discussing the importance of bereavement services in society, and how best we can improve bereavement literacy from an early stage in life.

Thanks to @cajardineM for today's debate & to @TaiwoOwatemi @JimShannonMP @PGibsonSNP and @CatMcKinnell for their contributions. We look forward to contributing to the review of the #RHSE curriculum, mentioned by @NickGibbUK, to improve support in schools for #bereaved children.

During the constructive meeting a number of pertinent issues were discussed, including the laws governing burials and cremation.

Last Wednesday, the Funerals and Bereavement APPG met in the Palace of Westminster for an in-person session chaired by Sir Robert Goodwill. It was fantastic to welcome over 40 members of the funerals, burials & cremation industries attending from across the country. (1/2)

Today of all days it was a privilege to speak for @NAFD_UK members at the @APPGFB meeting in #Westminster aside from the important work there’s quite an atmosphere! @RCunningfox @DMAG2020 @JBP_Comms #FuneralDirectors

2/2 Most funeral services booked for 19 September will have been arranged many weeks ago, so funeral directors and cemeteries/crematoria are working with families to find the best approach for each one. @DMAG2020

1/2 We've been asked if any other #funerals will go ahead on Monday 19th September. Although work is still ongoing, some funerals will go ahead, others are moving to a different date - led by the needs & wishes of the #bereaved families involved.

Children may have questions, following the death of #HMTheQueen. This video by @cbukhelp may be of help in explaining what happens at a #funeral. youtu.be/SMpDam54eOc

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this difficult time. Her Majesty was a source of stability to us all.

Great honour to speak at the APPG for Funerals and Bereavement on why Bereavement Awareness needs to be incorporated into the National Curriculum. A positive evening which has seen this movement gain further support.

📣On Tuesday we held our final APPG meeting before summer recess 💬Our meeting focussed on #FCA regulation of funeral plans & getting Bereavement on the National Curriculum @PeterGrantMP @NAFDPresident @NAFD_UK @NationalSAIF @InstituteCCM @FFMA_funeral @cremsoc @ProjectEileen

📣On Tuesday we met with Bns Hussein-Ece @meralhece about her PMBill to regulate private cemeteries. 💬The APPG committed to assist Meral in correcting serious issues. The incident described highlights the need for the re-use of graves to be taken seriously by Government.

💬Press release concerning Safe Hands going into administration 👇 ftadviser.com/regulation/202… #FCA #funerals #bereavement #APPGFB #funeral

Chair of the APPG for Funerals and Bereavement, Sir John Hayes MP, has penned a piece in the latest @TheHouseMag edition. His piece reflects on the work of the sector over the past year and the importance of building on successes going forward. @DMAG2020