Give in memory
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant many changes to our everyday lives including how we plan and attend funerals for people we love. But there are ways you can remember your loved ones and support us to care for other families.
If you would like to ask for donations to John Taylor Hospice in lieu of flowers for a funeral, you can do this online at Justgiving.com or FuneralZone We can send you donation envelopes for you to include with orders of service – simply email us with the quantity you need at [email protected] You can ask people to donate online or cheques, made payable to John Taylor Hospice Charity, can be sent to John Taylor Hospice, 76 Grange Road, Erdington B24 0DF.
Setting up a personalised tribute web page gives you the chance to create a dedicated online space for friends and family to remember a loved one. They are a place to share pictures, thoughts and memories while also raising money for the hospice to continue providing care for other families. You can set up a tribute page using MuchLoved or Just Giving.
We understand that many families like to have a special something to remember their loved ones so we have created John Taylor Hospice keepsakes just for you. Each keepsake can be individually engraved with your loved one’s name and a personal dedication and can then be hung indoors or outdoors, all year round or just for special occasions. To order your keepsake click here.
Some families choose to mark a special date by taking part in an event, organising their own memorial or making a memorial gift. If, because of COVID-19 you’re unable to get-together in the same place, why not hold a virtual event instead? By using apps such as Zoom you can meet up with your family and friends from the safety of your own homes. You could hold an event, whether a quiz, karaoke night or coffee morning, and ask for donations from participants. You can donate safely here or by sending a cheque through the post. Be sure to let us know about your events so we can support you!
Some funeral directors are allowing letters, notes or pictures to be placed into the coffins of loved ones – speak to your funeral director to see what is possible.
If you are unable to attend the funeral, check whether the family is organising a virtual screening of the service – it may be possible to attend online. If you would like an order of service why not ask someone who is attending to keep one for you or ask the funeral directors if they would be able to post one to you?
Perhaps at the time the funeral is taking place, you may want to take the time to remember your loved one with a quiet moment. You may want to ask which songs are being played and listen to them at the time of the funeral – or simply play some songs which remind you of your loved one. You could also find your favourite picture of your loved one and light a candle in memory on the day of the funeral or when you are reflecting.
For a more permanent reminder of your loved one, you could plant a seed of their favourite flowers or create a cairn with stones in your garden.
Although we are adhering to social distancing, there is no reason you shouldn’t call or video call your friends and family to talk about your loved ones, share memories and good times and support each other during this difficult time. You may wish to plan a future family gathering to celebrate the life of your loved one together, when it is deemed safe to do so.
John Taylor Hospice is here for you. We have an amazing Wellbeing Team whose counsellors are here to help you over the phone if you are struggling with your grief. We understand the added difficulty this pandemic may bring so we encourage you to ask for help – for more information on how to receive support from the team click here.
Hold a virtual funeral collection
If you would like to ask for donations to John Taylor Hospice in lieu of flowers for a funeral, you can do this online at Justgiving.com or FuneralZone We can send you donation envelopes for you to include with orders of service – simply email us with the quantity you need at [email protected] You can ask people to donate online or cheques, made payable to John Taylor Hospice Charity, can be sent to John Taylor Hospice, 76 Grange Road, Erdington B24 0DF.
Online tributes
Setting up a personalised tribute web page gives you the chance to create a dedicated online space for friends and family to remember a loved one. They are a place to share pictures, thoughts and memories while also raising money for the hospice to continue providing care for other families. You can set up a tribute page using MuchLoved or Just Giving.
John Taylor Hospice keepsakes
We understand that many families like to have a special something to remember their loved ones so we have created John Taylor Hospice keepsakes just for you. Each keepsake can be individually engraved with your loved one’s name and a personal dedication and can then be hung indoors or outdoors, all year round or just for special occasions. To order your keepsake click here.
Special occasions
Some families choose to mark a special date by taking part in an event, organising their own memorial or making a memorial gift. If, because of COVID-19 you’re unable to get-together in the same place, why not hold a virtual event instead? By using apps such as Zoom you can meet up with your family and friends from the safety of your own homes. You could hold an event, whether a quiz, karaoke night or coffee morning, and ask for donations from participants. You can donate safely here or by sending a cheque through the post. Be sure to let us know about your events so we can support you!
Write a letter to your loved one
Some funeral directors are allowing letters, notes or pictures to be placed into the coffins of loved ones – speak to your funeral director to see what is possible.
Be part of a service - even if you can't be there.
If you are unable to attend the funeral, check whether the family is organising a virtual screening of the service – it may be possible to attend online. If you would like an order of service why not ask someone who is attending to keep one for you or ask the funeral directors if they would be able to post one to you?
Perhaps at the time the funeral is taking place, you may want to take the time to remember your loved one with a quiet moment. You may want to ask which songs are being played and listen to them at the time of the funeral – or simply play some songs which remind you of your loved one. You could also find your favourite picture of your loved one and light a candle in memory on the day of the funeral or when you are reflecting.
Create a memorial space
For a more permanent reminder of your loved one, you could plant a seed of their favourite flowers or create a cairn with stones in your garden.
Stay together
Although we are adhering to social distancing, there is no reason you shouldn’t call or video call your friends and family to talk about your loved ones, share memories and good times and support each other during this difficult time. You may wish to plan a future family gathering to celebrate the life of your loved one together, when it is deemed safe to do so.
Ask for help
John Taylor Hospice is here for you. We have an amazing Wellbeing Team whose counsellors are here to help you over the phone if you are struggling with your grief. We understand the added difficulty this pandemic may bring so we encourage you to ask for help – for more information on how to receive support from the team click here.