A Shrewsbury-based funeral director is once again launching a special service to help grieving families and friends cope with what for many will be a difficult festive period.
Shrewsbury, Four Crosses and Welshpool-based, Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors, is showcasing Coping with the Holidays, a DVD produced by Dr Bill Webster, Head of The Centre for the Grief Journey, a Canadian-based group that helps people overcome the loss of their loved ones, to people across the county who may have experienced the recent passing of a friend or family member.
The 20 minute-long film includes a number of heartfelt interviews with people who have suffered bereavements and struggled to come to terms with all the emotions and memories that come flooding back over the Christmas holidays. They go on to share some of the simple steps that enabled them to not only reflect on the past and celebrate cherished memories of those that are no longer with them, but also recognise all the other people and things in life they still have to be thankful for.
Aubrey Kirkham explained: “For most of us, Christmas is a joyous occasion where families and friends come together to celebrate good times. But for some, it can be a time of great loneliness and a painful reminder of those they have lost, particularly if it is the first year.
“Even for those with an empty feeling in their hearts, Christmas is a season of hope, and some of the tips outlined in the DVD – such as sharing happy stories and memories, or focusing on the good times rather than any regrets –can be a real source of comfort.”
The DVD was launched by Aubrey last year, and he has decided to make it available again in 2011 as part of his work to support the communities in Shropshire. To raise further awareness of the issue and promote the availability of the DVD, Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors has also taken out a full window display in Shrewsbury’s Pride Hill Shopping Centre, designed by Shrewsbury-based Giant Creative Solutions.
“I’m ever so grateful to the Pride Hill Shopping Centre team, for their support again this year,” said Aubrey.
“Although most of the shoppers in the next few weeks will be so busy hunting down those last-minute presents that they may not even notice the window display, we know all too well that there are many others out there still coming to terms with losing somebody close to them. Hopefully this DVD will reassure them in some small way that they are not alone and can still have a meaningful Christmas.”
Anyone interested in purchasing the DVD, which costs just £5 including postage and packaging, should contact Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors by calling Shrewsbury 01743 368999, Welshpool 01938 555099, or the Funeral Home in Four Crosses on 01691 839292. Alternatively, please visit www.aubreykirkhamfuneraldirector.co.uk
