As we make our final preparations for Christmas, bereavement – thankfully – will be the last thing on our minds.

Sadly, death is no respecter of the Festive tradition.

If you experience the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one during the holidays, not knowing where to turn at a time when most people are on leave can be terrifying.

At H. Porter & Sons, we’re all too aware of this and ensure members of our caring team are available around the clock at Christmas.

We’re here to support you in the event of a death. Whether it’s Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, we’re able to bring your loved one into our care, giving you peace of mind at a difficult time.

Whilst our offices might be closed on the national bank holidays, we are mindful that family members may want to spend time with the person who has died. We will, of course, make this happen for you whatever day this is. And please note: we are always available by phone on 01384 395048.

It’s also important to bear in mind that if a death occurs during the Christmas holidays, this can, unfortunately, cause a delay in the funeral arrangements, as crematorium and cemetery authorities tend to be on leave at this time.

Delays may also happen if family members who need to be involved with funeral arrangements are away.

We want to reassure you that in this sort of situation, your loved one is being respectfully cared for in a dignified and respectful setting, and our team is available to answer any questions.

Alongside some of the practical aspects of the care we provide, we are also able to signpost people to bereavement support organisations.

At H. Porter & Sons, we’ve partnered with our trade association, the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) to offer bereavement help in the form of SAIF Care.

This includes phone and online advice from dedicated bereavement specialists. A member of our team will be able to provide further details about this if required.

Additionally, organisations like Cruse Bereavement Care are on hand over the Festive period, as are Child Bereavement UK.

There are also many other specialist bereavement organisations which provide support in a range of tragic circumstances. Further details of these are available from our team.

We hope you don’t need to call upon the information in this blog this Festive Season and we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

We are here for you if you need us.