Funerals

Death is a topic that many of us avoid, but understanding how to prepare for it can ease the burden on our loved ones when the time comes. Join us at the Library for an enlightening event where Barry Hayman, manager at Paterson's Funeral Services, will guide us through the essential steps of funeral planning.

Whether you’re thinking about planning for yourself or perhaps helping a loved one, this event will provide you with the knowledge and peace of mind needed to navigate one of life’s most difficult yet inevitable moments. Prepare ahead, and take control of the process with confidence.

In this session, you will learn:

• The Basics of Funeral Planning: What needs to be done immediately after a loved one passes, from contacting the right professionals to making important decisions.
• Planning in Advance: What we can do now to plan for our funeral, to make it easier on our loved ones, including decisions about burial and cremation
• Personalizing the Service: How to make the funeral or memorial service a meaningful celebration of life, from music choices to eulogies, unique rituals or personalised objects.
• Funeral Costs & Budgeting: Understanding typical costs and how to plan a funeral that fits within your financial comfort zone, including exploring options like pre-paid funerals and insurance.
• Grief and Support: Understanding the emotional journey for both the person passing and those left behind, with tips on how to seek professional and peer support through grief.

This event is being held during Hospice Awareness Week so there will also be a short presentation from Fiona Giles, Outreach Coordinator at Hospice Mid Canterbury, about the services and support Hospice offers clients and their families in Mid Canterbury. You might also be interested in the expo Hospice is having at the library on Thursday of the same week - look out for details nearer the time.

After Barry's presentation, we will have a Q & A session where you can ask any questions you like on the topic of Funerals or Hospice. 

Don’t leave these important decisions to chance – join us and gain the insights you need to honour life in the most thoughtful and respectful way possible.

This event is free - please register so we know how many to expect.

Organised by Keep Learning Mid Canterbury and Hospice Mid Canterbury.