Shine a Light: Honouring grief, community and transformation

National Grief Awareness Week runs from the 2nd to 8th of December, and this year embraces the theme of: “Shine a Light”. The 2024 focus around shining a light on People, Places and Projects is a poignant reminder of the incredible work being done across the UK to support those navigating the complex journey of grief.

At Central Co-op, we believe in standing alongside families not only when someone has died but, in the days, months and years ahead. This National Grief Awareness Week, I want to shine a light on the incredible teams, initiatives and communities that make our work so meaningful.

People: language that heals

One of the most profound ways we support grieving families is through the words we use. Language matters, especially in times of grief. At Central Co-op, we’ve redefined the language in our funeral operations to ensure it reflects dignity, care and understanding.

Openness: We use clear and transparent terms, saying “died” instead of euphemisms like “lost” to help families face their grief with clarity.

Inclusivity: Language like “visiting rooms” instead of “chapels of rest” makes our spaces welcoming to all, regardless of faith or belief.

Care: Personalising language, such as referring to “bringing [name] into our care,” ensures every individual is treated with the respect they deserve.

This commitment to language isn’t just about modernising our industry; it’s about fostering empathy, empowering families, and creating a culture of compassionate communication.

We’re passionate about continuing the conversation, and grief education is a cause close to our hearts. We’re proud to support initiatives like including grief education in the national curriculum - championed by incredible people organisations such as Funeral Industry Advisor, John Adams, as well as The Good Grief Trust and Child Bereavement UK.

By creating spaces for honest conversations about death and dying, we hope to reduce stigma and empower more people to face grief with confidence and compassion.

Places: our commitment to Malawi

Our funeral Planting Promise has been a cornerstone of our environmental efforts, with nearly 20,000 trees planted annually since 2022. This year, we’re expanding this initiative into Our Malawi Partnership, focusing on areas where reforestation can drive transformative change.

In Malawi, reforestation does more than combat climate change; it empowers local communities. By planting diverse tree species, we’re helping to improve food security, create sustainable income opportunities, and restore wildlife habitats. Collaborating with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), we’re ensuring this initiative delivers long-lasting benefits. Each tree we plant is a symbol of hope - a living legacy for the families we serve and a step toward a greener, fairer future.

Closer to home, we’re embarking on an ambitious five-year regeneration project to transform our funeral homes into welcoming, comfortable spaces for families and communities. In 2024 alone, we completed the regeneration of 10 funeral homes. These regenerated spaces are designed with care and thought, prioritising comfort, accessibility and warmth. They include modernised facilities that provide not only functional excellence but also a calming atmosphere that fosters reflection, remembrance and connection.

Projects: supporting grief beyond the funeral

Grief doesn’t end with the funeral, and neither does our support. Central Co-op offers a variety of services to help families navigate their grief, including:

GriefChat: An online service connecting individuals with trained bereavement counsellors, providing free emotional support Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm.

Memorial services: Online events for occasions like Mother’s Day, Baby Loss Awareness Week, and our United in Light festive service, allowing families to honour their loved ones in a shared space of remembrance.

Community: Practical advice on coping with grief, supporting bereaved loved ones, and understanding the steps after someone has died. Many of our funeral homes host monthly coffee mornings, welcoming everyone, whether you've used our services before or not. These gatherings provide a warm, inviting space for a hot cuppa and a chat, fostering a sense of community and support among those who have experienced grief.

As we observe National Grief Awareness Week, let’s shine a light on the power of community, the importance of words, and the impact of meaningful action. We can create a world where grief is met with understanding, support and hope.