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Resources
There are many useful resources available for bereaved people. Here's the beginning of what we hope is a useful selection.
Sites
GriefTalk is an online forum where you can meet other bereaved people. It's not 'therapy' or 'counselling' - just a way to help overcome the social isolation that many of us experience when we are bereaved. Visit grieftalk.org.
Much Loved is charity-run online service that helps you create sensitive, personalised and lasting memorial tribute websites. You can also raise money in memory of your loved ones. Visit muchloved.com.
Books
The Guide to a Dead Brilliant Funeral Speech
Author: Neil Dorward (published August 2009)
Price:
£9.99 £8.99
Neil Dorward is a Funeral Celebrant based in Scotland and this book is for people who are thinking about training to become a Funeral Celebrant, or who have been asked to 'say a few words' at a Funeral. The first half of the book discusses how and why Funerals are changing, and the second half contains plenty of guidance, tips and anecdotes. For instance, it would be tempting to write a 'choronological' speech but Neil urges us to be more creative, and weave together a series of vignettes that evoke the essence of the person who has died, and recognise the legacy they've left behind. He also provides specific help for more difficult situations, including death by murder and suicide. It's not a long book and easy to read and if you've suddenly been asked to speak at a Funeral, it'll give you the encouragement and support you need to get through what can be a very difficult but ultimately rewarding job.
Poems and Readings for Funerals
Author: Julia Watson (published April 2004)
Price:
£8.99 £5.66
This is a lovely little anthology of Poems and Readings for Funerals (or, perhaps, printed in a Service Sheet, or used in a Memory DVD), edited by Julia Watson who played Dr Baz in Casualty. While most of these would be available scattered around the Internet, this book would be very useful to someone who regularly organises or speaks at Funerals.
In Loving Memory
Author: Sally Emerson (published May 2004)
Price:
£11.99 £7.69
This anthology is part of a series edited by Sally Emerson, and is intended not just to help with planning a Funeral service, but to provide inspiration and comfort to anyone who is grieving. You'll find an eclectic mix of items from the The Bhagavad Gita to Joan Baez and everything inbetween, so there's sure to be something for all situations.
