Advice Resources
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
We are a member of the NAFD whose constant aim is to improve the standards and knowledge of its members and their service to the public. We are a privately-owned family business, our funeral directors are qualified, hold certificates or diplomas in funeral directing or are in training towards that qualification and are members of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.
SAIF
We are also a member of SAIF, which represents more than 870 privately-owned, independent funeral homes across the UK. SAIF works to promote best practice and protect the interests of its members and local communities. Along with representing the views of its members at a national and local level, they also provide training and education programmes to ensure they continue to meet the highest of standards.
NAFD Bereavement Helpline
Whether a person is recently bereaved, caring for someone who is dying or simply planning ahead, the NAFD Bereavement Advice Centre will help advise them on their questions and concerns. The Centre can also direct people to locally-based experts, such as bereavement counsellors and can advise what actions need to be taken when somebody dies. They can be contacted on 0800 634 9494 from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday, or via their website www.nafd.org.uk.
Our experience has shown us that there is never an ideal solution to a family’s loss but a common factor is to have someone who cares and we can assure you, that is what we do. We hope that the helpline may be of help should you ever feel the need to call.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care is a registered charity, staffed by volunteers, which provides support to adults, children and young people who are experiencing unresolved grief. They can provide help on a one-to-one basis or in a group and also through a telephone helpline. Cruse Bereavement Care can be contacted locally on 01902 662105. H. Porter & Sons are proud to have supported the training of a Cruse Bereavement Care volunteer in 2008.
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/
Dying Matters
H. Porter & Sons have been involved in Dying Matters for a number of years. In 2009, the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) set up the Dying Matters Coalition to promote public awareness of dying, death and bereavement. The Coalition’s mission is to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life. This will involve a fundamental change in society in which dying, death and bereavement will be seen and accepted as the natural part of everybody’s life cycle. Changes in the way society views dying and death have impacted on the experience of people who are dying and bereaved. Our lack of openness has affected the quality and range of support and care services available to patients and families. It has also affected our ability to die where or how we would wish.
The Dying Matters Coalition is working to address this by encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives, including where they want to die and their funeral plans with friends, family and loved ones.
Website: www.dyingmatters.org
Dying Matters Dudley
Dying Matters Dudley is a collaborative group of individuals and organisations with the overall aim of opening up conversations around death, dying and bereavement, helping people think and plan for the end of life. This group was founded in May 2018, with H. Porter & Sons being a founder member.
Website: www.dyingmattersdudley.co.uk
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DyingMattersDudley
Funeral Advice
H. Porter & Sons YouTube page
Please click here to visit our YouTube channel
Omega Care for Life
Omega offer a Meeting Point Support Group which is a good way to help you meet and socialise with people who really understand what it means to be a family caregiver. They also host ‘Bereavement Hub’ sessions – Bereavement Information Hubs are an informal, friendly place to meet and talk to others who have experienced loss and grief.
Website: https://www.omega.uk.net/dudley-and-stourbridge-p-160.htm
Dudley Council Bereavement Services
Kaleidoscope Plus Group – local mental health and wellbeing charity
Website: https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/
Mary Stevens Hospice Resources
Our friends at Mary Stevens Hospice have a very helpful page which may help you be signposted in the right direction – please take a look at what they have to offer.
Website: https://www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/telephone-advice-service-covid-19-response/bereavement-support/