Norfolk funeral service owner encourages people to share their funeral wishes
New research shows that less than half of us have openly talked about our funeral wishes with loved ones
The owner of a funeral service in Norfolk is urging those across the county to get talking about what they want to happen to them after they die.
It's as work from the Co-op shows that less than half (45%) of the 34 thousand people surveyed have openly talked about their funeral wishes with loved ones.
Meanwhile, more than seven in ten (72%) say they haven't made a will and two thirds(33%) haven't talked to someone they care about about their own death.
"It's a marmite topic"
Ann Cobbold works in Norwich: "It stops families having the problem at the time of not knowing what to do, and means they don't have to second guess your wishes.
"So if you have opened the conversation it heads off a lot of angst further down the line and we all want to look after our loved ones.
"It's a marmite topic. People either really get into it and really want to know what will happen or they just don't want to know. Amongst the people that we come across it, it's largely 50/50, but it's so important to talk about."
"It's important to reassure them"
She told us about how we can get talking:
"Perhaps if you're both cooking or if you open it with, 'I went to a funeral and...' - that's an opener to share what you think about it.
"Doing it this way is much better than saying we've got to have a chat and making it all serious and morbid.
"It's important to reassure them. Perhaps talk about your own wishes first and that could tip off what they want.
"The pandemic really started people thinking about this. That has tailed off a bit now, there were a lot of toned down funerals during that time. A lot more people opted for it later on, so we've seen a rise in direct cremations."
"Talking to loved ones now can help them later"
Gill Stewart, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, said:
"Our findings highlight a real missing link between thinking, talking and even planning. It can be uncomfortable to discuss planning for death and funerals with loved ones, especially for fear of upsetting them - but we believe this is precisely why those conversations are crucial.
" We know that talking to loved ones now can help them later. Putting in place funeral plans, life insurance, a will or even a lasting power of attorney, can go a long way in safeguarding loved ones when the time comes.
"That's why really we encourage people to have open and honest conversations about their wishes with loved ones."
What help can you get?
The Government say those on a low income or receiving certain benefits can apply for financial help to pay for a funeral.