By Tom Cameron
Wigston funeral care service Reflection has begun attempts to break the morbid stigma of funeral services by contributing to the community with different ideas.
“From a community position it can be daunting that a funeral home’s opening next door, so instead of being that spooky scary funeral home, we wanted to be more of a place for people to come and sit and have a cup of tea,” said Fern Crane, the service’s office manager.
The business opened in Blunt’s Lane only six months ago in June this year and is doing well, according to Fern.
The business revealed plans for tea and coffee mornings for people to enjoy in the winter months called the ‘Keep Warm Tea Club’, the first one of which raised £208.35 for the Leicestershire hospice charity, LOROS.
“It’s just somewhere that people can keep warm and come and have a chat. It’s not just about us turning up as staff. We won’t be in uniform, we won’t be here to work that day, we’re here as community representatives to listen to you,” said Fern.
“Some people don’t have anyone to talk to throughout the day, just one person can say hello and can make a difference,” she added.
In addition, she and her team are currently taking in food bank donations until Wednesday, December 18, to South Leicester Foodbank for the Christmas season, with needed items being tinned food, puddings, deodorants, milk, juice and selection boxes.
“My family has struggled previously, and in this day and age, more people are struggling. And a lot of our clients are obviously in this community and are local, so what’s the harm for us to put something in place where we can give back to the community?” Crane added.
“Hopefully it helps people get by and they have a nice Christmas with it.”
To contact the home, phone 0116 366 0661, email them at info@reflectionfuneral.co.uk or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554710380688.