Worksop funeral directors helping people to grieve and raising money for mental health charity

A Worksop funeral director is encouraging people to plant flower seeds and paint rocks in the memory of a lost loved one this summer as well as raising money for charity.

By Laura Andrew

Published 30th Jul 2020, 06:00 BST

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During the week starting August 24, the Co-op Funeral Care in Worksop is hosting a week-long event named ‘Keeping Loved ones in Mind.’

They are hoping to raise £500 for the mental health charity Mind.

Monique Fores, a funeral arranger, said: “During the week we will be having a tombola and we have made bags with sunflower and forget me not seeds.

The funeral directors are asking for people to pick up the seeds and pebbles prior to the event starting on August 24.

The funeral directors are asking for people to pick up the seeds and pebbles prior to the event starting on August 24.

“People can make a small donation and then take a bag away with them and plant the seeds in memory of a loved one.”

The bags come with tags so that messages can be written to departed family members or friends.

They are also encouraging people to paint pebbles to accompany the seed planting.

“We wanted to make the activities child friendly,” Monique said.

People are being encouraged to paint messages on pebbles.

People are being encouraged to paint messages on pebbles.

“We’ve seen quite a lot of children sadly losing parents or grandparents recently.

“This is arguably one of the worst times to have lost someone and people have not been able to grieve in the normal way.”

During the lockdown, restrictions have been placed on funeral services and wakes that have meant a reduced attendance.

Monique says that rules are starting to ease but traditional components of a funeral such as singing are still not allowed.

Seed backs include sunflowers and forget me nots.

Seed backs include sunflowers and forget me nots.

“We have been trying to personalise funerals as much as possible,” she continued.

“Whether that be designing a special route for the hearse or organising a place for people to pay their respects if they can’t attend the service in person.

“It’s still quite strict with what families can and cannot do so we want to make things for people to bring them comfort.”

Monique hopes that the seeds and painted pebbles will also help people who have not been able to grieve during the lockdown.

Monique hopes the event will allow people to grieve for loved ones lost during the last few months.

Monique hopes the event will allow people to grieve for loved ones lost during the last few months.

The funeral directors are asking for people to pop into their shop before the event starts to collect their pebbles and seeds.

Their address is 227 Gateford Road.

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