The Role of the Funeral Director in Bereavement Support

When coping with the loss of a loved one, it is important that families have a support network to help them through a challenging time. Funeral directors play a critical role, offering bereavement support, guidance and empathy.  

Read on to learn about the role of the funeral director and how they can provide bereavement support to you and your family. 

Compassionate care 

Losing a loved one is an emotional time, and grieving families often require compassion to navigate the days that follow. As the first point of contact for the family of the bereaved, your funeral director’s role is more than just arranging the funeral. Funeral directors are trained to listen, offer emotional support and provide a safe space for families to express their feelings when coping with loss. Our team provides compassionate support, treating your family like our own and guiding you through every step of the process with empathy and understanding. 

Providing Resources 

At James Ashton & Son, we have been a trusted part of the community for generations and can recommend bereavement support groups, therapy and specialist grief counselling in the local area to help you through this challenging time. They may also be able to provide materials like eulogy examples ahead of the funeral or information on legal and administrative aspects of the death. 

Administrative Support 

Dealing with paperwork and administrative processes is challenging, especially when coping with the loss of a loved one. Your James Ashton & Son funeral director will play a critical role in handling the legal and administrative paperwork in relation to the funeral or death of your loved one. They are experts at what they do and will guide you through the process each step of the way.  

For instance, supporting you in registering the death. Any death that occurs in Scotland must be registered within 8 days, unless the Procurator Fiscal’s involvement prevents it. At the time of making the funeral arrangements we will give you detailed advice on registering your loved one’s death. Additionally, we can provide support in notifying the death through the government’s Tell Us Once service, allowing families to report a death to multiple government departments in one go. This helps simplify the process during a difficult time. 

Guidance in the Decision-Making  

Arranging a funeral can be an overwhelming experience. With years of experience, our team are skilled at handling the arrangements and supporting with decision-making so you can focus on what matters most. We offer a professional and reliable service, helping families make informed choices and create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. Whether it’s selecting a casket, arranging the service or deciding on burial options, we are here to help guide you through the process.  

Creating a Meaningful Tribute  

A funeral is a personal journey to celebrate your loved one’s life and honour their values. At James Ashton & Son, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs, ensuring a personal and meaningful farewell for your loved one. A personalised tribute not only honours the life of the deceased, it provides a meaningful farewell that resonates with family and friends helping them find solace in their tribute. 

Supporting with Financial Assistance Options 

If you’re struggling to afford the cost of a funeral, there are support options available to you from the government. Your funeral director can provide bereavement support by guiding you through the process of submitting the claim form. Social Security Scotland offers a one-off Funeral Support Payment to help assist with some of the costs. The payment is made up of a contribution towards funeral director charges (currently £1279.15) and a contribution towards relevant cremation or burial fees. The cost of a new lair as well as the interment fee may also be covered. Speak to your funeral director to find out more.  

Ongoing Bereavement Support 

Grief doesn’t end with the funeral, and funeral directors are there to provide bereavement support in the following weeks. Funeral directors often maintain contact, offering ongoing support and assistance to you and your family.

Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch 

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated funeral director will be there to help you every step of the way, offering bereavement support, guidance and support with the arrangements to create a personal and meaningful tribute for your loved one.  

We are available 24 hours, 365 days a year. Get in touch to speak to one of the team at any of our four premises across the region. All of our branches are a part of the James Ashton & Son Ltd group, but operate independently so that your arrangements are taken care of by a team you know and at a premises you are familiar with. Our branches:  

1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN 

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ 

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)