PROUD TO be
... a bereavement volunteer
Caroline Boyes is a Funeral Arranger at our Ivybridge Funeral Home in Devon – and part of a network of colleagues who’ ve set up bereavement support groups in their local area. She tells us how she got started – and how you can join in...
Q
How long have you worked for Funeralcare?
A
“ I’ ve worked as a
Funeral Arranger for over five years. My background is in nursing so this felt like a natural progression. It’ s very fulfilling to be able to help people when they need it most.”
Q
How did you become a bereavement volunteer?
“ We started because
A people in Ivybridge had to travel to Plymouth for bereavement support groups – but people don’ t want to travel long distances when they’ re grieving. The group is all about meeting people and having a cuppa, some cake and a chat!”
Do you feel proud?
Get in touch with us by going to funeralcomms. polldaddy. com / s / sharing-your-news and share your story.
Q
What do our clients say about the support groups?
“ Clients really enjoy it
A because they can speak to people and be honest about their feelings – they often find it hard to talk to their children or partners. And the group shows our support for the community – that our care continues after the funeral.”
Q
How could other colleagues get involved in local bereavement support groups?
“ Talk to people in your
A area and find out if they’ d be interested in setting up a group. You can get involved no matter which part of Co-op you work in, so if Legal Services colleagues are interested, they’ d bring much-needed knowledge to the groups. People are sometimes frightened to see a solicitor but face to face over a cuppa is different.”
Q
What makes you proud to work for Co-op?
“ We look after people
A 24 / 7 and everything we do is about caring for the client.”
“ Clients really enjoy it because they can speak to people and be honest about their feelings – they often find it hard talk to their children or partners.”
Caroline Boyes, funeral arranger
Caroline Boyes
Caroline( back right) with the group at Buckfast Abbey
16 Our Voice / June 2017