Services for Infants & Under 18's
No parent, grandparent, legal guardian or family should ever have to face or deal with the loss of a child.
We are here to offer our support and gently guide you through this tender journey
Services for Infants and Under 18's
We handle each service with the utmost sensitivity and care, especially when it comes to the youngest among us. The loss of a young life is profoundly heartrending, and we are here to provide compassionate support and dignified arrangements during this difficult time.
We believe in offering our services for babies and children at no cost, ensuring that families receive support without the burden of additional financial stress. It is our family's promise that we do not profit from these services; we offer them as a part of our commitment to the community and our heartfelt understanding of the profound loss felt by the families.
To make this easy to understand during this difficult time we have listed what we will supply at no cost below:
- We handle all necessary legal and administrative details with utmost care.
- We offer respectful transportation for your cherished little one from the place of passing.
- You may select the date and time that feels right for your family's farewell.
- Our dignified conveyance options include a hearse, limousine, or private vehicle, according to your preference.
- Departure can be arranged from a personal address of your choosing or our tranquil chapel of rest.
- We provide tender care for your beloved child in our serene facilities until the day of the funeral.
- Our loving preparation and dressing services honour your little one's dignity and your family's wishes.
- We can arrange for an online obituary notice to lovingly remember your child.
- We offer a specially fitted coffin, designed with care for either cremation or burial
- Following cremation, we ensure the thoughtful collection and secure keeping of the remains, without any time constraints.
*Please note for burials where a new grave is requested a fee will be required by the cemetery which is chargeable to you. Please see local cemetery charges under the sub-heading ‘Crematoria and Cemetery Charges’
There may be some additional products or services that you require which will be chargeable, these include:
- Upgraded coffin
- Alternative Hearse e.g., Horse drawn carriage
- Additional Limousines
- Funeral Officiant (we are proud to work with many funeral officiants who have the same ethos as us and who wave their usual fee)
- Extended Service at Crematorium chapel
- Floral Arrangements
- Funeral Stationary
The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for some of the costs of a funeral. The fund was established by the government on July 23rd 2019 and is operated by the Ministry of Justice. It can help pay towards the fees and expenses for burials and cremations for any child or baby funeral.
When does the Fund help?
The only criteria to get help from the Children’s Funeral Fund for England are:
• That the child must be under 18 at the time of death or stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy. (However, if a baby was born before the 24th week of pregnancy and lived for any time, then the Fund will help).
• The burial or cremation must take place in England.
• The claim for costs must be made within 6 months of the date of the funeral.
The Fund is available to all families, regardless of income and is not means-tested. Funding is available regardless of the religious faith of the child, or that of their parent(s), guardian or carer. There are no nationality or residency requirements. Most crematoria and cemeteries will apply for the charges on your behalf. There may be further help provided by The Child Funeral Charity, a guide can be downloaded here
If you require any further information or wish to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The importance of making memories during these difficult times
We understand the importance of making valuable memories at an extremely difficult time, and that is why we are proud to be the only funeral service in the area that can provide The CuddleCot to our families.
The CuddleCot is a thoughtfully designed, small, portable, and lightweight device that provides a compassionate solution for families experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a baby at any age or gestation. This invaluable piece of equipment allows grieving families to extend the precious time they can spend with their baby, giving them the opportunity to create cherished memories in a peaceful environment. The CuddleCot helps maintain the baby's body temperature, slowing the natural processes and thereby providing families with the gift of additional hours or days to say their goodbyes in their own time. The CuddleCot can be used in our chapel of rest or be taken to your home.
The CuddleCot was generously donated to us in memory of baby Benjamin Walters by his loving parents Ben and Katie Walters. We will be forever eternally grateful for their heartfelt contribution,which will provide precious moments for families in his name.
Whilst we hope we do not need to use these on a frequent basis, we recently reached out to our community with a heartfelt request for donations of children's books covering all ages. Thanks to the generous response, we have been able to create a special collection of these books.
These donated books will be placed in our Chapel of Rest, providing a gentle and meaningful way for family members to spend time with their little ones. Families can now create precious memories by reading a story or two, offering comfort and connection during these tender moments.
We are deeply grateful for the support and kindness of our community in helping us provide this small, yet significant, way to honour and cherish the time families have with their loved ones.
Bereavement Advice for Parents Who Have Lost Their Baby or Child
- Allow Yourself to Grieve: There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions including sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of relief. It's important to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to grieve in your own way.
- Seek Support: Connect with others who understand your loss. This can include family, friends, support groups, or professional counsellors. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can help you feel less isolated.
- Take Care of Yourself: Grieving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Try to eat well, get enough rest, and engage in physical activity. It's okay to take breaks and prioritise self care.
- Create Memories: Find ways to remember and honour your child. This can include creating a memory box, writing letters, or participating in activities that remind you of them. Celebrating their life can be a meaningful part of the healing process.
- Be Patient: Grief is a long and often unpredictable process. Be patient with yourself and understand that it may take time to find a new normal. There is no set timeline for healing.
- Reach Out for Professional Help: If you find it difficult to cope with your grief, consider seeking help from a professional therapist who specialises in bereavement. They can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your grief.
Useful Charities and Links
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity):
- Website: http://sands.org.uk
- Provides support for anyone affected by the death of a baby, including resources, support groups, and helplines.
The Compassionate Friends:
- Website: tcf.org.uk
- A charitable organization offering support to families after the death of a child of any age and from any cause.
Child Bereavement UK:
- Website: childbereavementuk.org
- Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Cruse Bereavement Support:
- Website: cruse.org.uk
- Offers support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies.
Tommy’s:
- Website: tommys.org
- Provides information and support for those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.
A Child of Mine:
- Website: achildofmine.org.uk
- Offers support to bereaved parents and families, including practical information and advice.
These are some examples of resources that can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate through this difficult time. Remember, you are not alone, and there are many people and organisations ready to help you through your grief. You can find a full list of charities and organisations on our blog https://www.oldhamindependentfuneralservices.co.uk/local-national-support-agencies-and-groups-podcasts-and-books/
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
We are here to help you through this difficult time. Our family and team are available to provide you with compassionate care and support
