We visited Poppy’s when they opened their doors for Dying Matters Awareness Week. It was an opportunity for people to see behind the scenes and to find out more about the care and service they offer.
We have always admired the ethos and values of Poppy’s, an independent funeral director based in South London. So we were excited when, as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, they opened their doors for an Open Day and we got to see behind the scenes and to meet their team.
We were not disappointed. Set in the leafy and beautiful Lambeth Cemetery, we were greeted warmly and it was clear from the start that everyone working at Poppy’s shares the same values – providing great death care and putting people and planet at the heart of all that they do. Poppy’s firmly believe that great death care can and should be accessible to all.
So, what does great death care look like?
Poppy’s helpful booklet, ‘Guide to great death care’ sets out what they see as the foundations of great care, the key points of which are as follows:
Great death care is led by you, every step of the way. There is no ‘right way’ to say goodbye and every element of the funeral can be personalised in line with what matters most to you.
Great death care supports you in taking time to think about your decisions and to explore what feels right for you and your family.
Great death care is clear and transparent, with direct language and clarity about how much everything costs, with no hidden extras.
Great death care respects the planet and can guide you in making sustainable, affordable choices, whilst also respecting the decisions that you make.
Great death care is gentle and personal, keeping the body safe, cool and clean and allowing you to choose how much or how little you get involved in their care.
That’s one of the things we really took away from our visit to Poppy’s; how much care, love and attention they give to everyone, both the person who has died and to the family and friends who are grieving.
The Q & A session at the end was open and informative, giving visitors the chance to ask questions that they perhaps may not have felt comfortable raising elsewhere. Judging by the number and range of questions covered, it’s clear that people want to know what to expect and what their options are.
If you would like a copy of their booklet, or wish to find out more about Poppy’s, please visit their website at www.poppysfunerals.co.uk.
‘Great death care is important for family and friends who are grieving, as well as for the person who has died. It is compassionate and respects what matters most to you’.
Poppy’s Guide to Great Death Care