What Is A Celebrant?

The role of a Celebrant is to prepare and deliver a secular funeral, interment or celebration of a person’s life.  Prayers, hymns and readings - as applicable to your religion or beliefs - may be included if you wish; although I am unable to deliver Blessings, Sacraments etc.  Every service or celebration is unique and developed with compassion for the departed, their family and friends.

The main skills are active listening and information gathering, creative writing, event organisation and public speaking.  A celebrant can also act as an advocate and facilitator to ensure people’s wishes are fulfilled.

I can visit you at home, another venue, or meet remotely via Zoom to build a picture of your loved one through guided discussion and active listening. I can also make preparations with a person who is planning their own funeral. Family and friends of your choice are welcome to attend and contribute.

I can help with content choices (Order of Service, music, readings etc) and develop eulogies / tributes for delivery by myself or guide others in their preparations. I then prepare a bespoke funeral service, inviting comment and amendment to make certain that it reflects your wishes and paints a colourful picture that is recognised by all.

I plan and deliver the funeral service in partnership with the Funeral Director / Organiser and venue, ensuring we work in harmony to offer those who attend the optimal experience and minimise their distress. 

I will provide you with the full Service Notes to keep or share with others.  

Absolutely not!

I will use my professional knowledge to guide you, but the whole experience is a personal one and nothing is off limits for discussion. The location, structure, tone, content - and even the choice of language - are your decision and the event will be one that shines a light on the person we are honouring.

Like me, you may have attended a generic funeral that felt like a cut & paste version of many others; and can be diminished further by a Minister or Celebrant’s insincerity.  I am not that guy: I will provide YOUR service YOUR way. 

Suicide is the single biggest killer among under 35s in the UK; and increasing since 2009 among 15-19 year olds. The signs are not always clear: a smiling face can conceal a thousand worries.

Prevention and intervention are possible.  The signs are not easy to see; nor are the root causes.  It's important to remember that every change in a person's life entails a loss and we should be aware that even small moments may be pivotal in a young person's life - even something as simple as exam pressures or not achieving a sporting goal.  Suicidal people don't go round holding a placard and many are the life and soul of any group. 

Be alert to the little changes.  Be a good friend: ask that question, "Are you OK? Do you want to talk?" 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide provides non-judgmental advice and support to help prevent suicide in young people and help their loved ones to address the issues; along with training for professionals, volunteers, youth leaders etc.  They can also direct you to helpful apps and others who can help.  If the worst happens, their website has links to sources of bereavement support for those affected when someone has taken their own life.  See the Advice & Links page for details. 

If YOU have suicidal thoughts, or simply need help to make sense of your feelings, speak to someone you trust, or contact PAPYRUS. 

If you are concerned that someone is about to attempt suicide, dial 999. 

I have experience of suicide among friends and in my professional life.  It is important to support families, loved ones, friends and colleagues in dealing with such a sudden and incomprehensible loss.   I will do all I can to help you prepare to say your goodbyes and to find some light in the darkness by remembering their life in a positive and supportive way. 

Nobody is prepared for the loss of a baby.  I understand that this should be a time for celebration and hopes for the future, not grief.  Miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss will inevitably change your life and all the plans you made for your little one.  Every birthday and key event will raise the question of what could have been. 

The loss of a child, at any age, is something that no parent should have to go through; leaving the parent(s), family and friends feeling powerless and lost.  The stages of grief do not follow a set pattern: everyone faces their loss in a different and very personal way, but you DON'T have to do it alone.

As a father and grandfather, I know that I can’t take away your pain, but I will be with you every step of the way to guide you gently through the process and ensure that your child is commemorated in the best possible way.

Further help can be sought from Lighthouses Therapy Services, which provides advice and practical support with compassion and empathy; along with training for professionals and volunteers.

Birth Injury Center is a free resource for those who have been affected or want to learn more about stillbirth and injuries during the birth process; and to help them understand causes, diagnosis, prognosis and care options.

See the Advice & Links page for details.