Missing Dad: local funeral homes share advice to navigate Father’s Day

Father’s Day can be a difficult time of the year for those who have lost a parent – so local funeral homes are offering their support.

Co-op Funeralcare homes in Swansea, alongside charity Cruse Bereavement Support, are looking to provide support after new research found that 29% of people in the UK – and 20% of people in the region – have lost a parent within the last five years.

The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Co-op, also found that almost a third (31%) of people in the UK (and 73% in Wales) that experienced a bereavement within the last five years said it had impacted their mental wellbeing, while 15% (24% in the region) said they had been left feeling isolated and/or lonely.

With Father’s Day often acting as a reminder for those who are grieving the death of a parent, experts from Cruse, in partnership with Co-op Funeralcare, have shared the following advice to help locals struggling with grief to navigate through the period:

1.     Put yourself first – spend the day doing the things you enjoy, without feeling pressure to do anything you don’t want to

2.     Put your feelings into words – Letter writing can help deal with grief, and writing down those feelings to a loved one that has died can help organise your thoughts

3.     Hold a memorial – Lighting a candle, planting a flower, or visiting a place which was special to your loved one can be a great way to maintain a bond with someone that has died

4.     Share their memory – whether it be getting together with family or friends, holding an event, or even setting up an online memorial page can be a great way to honour a loved one’s life

5.     Talk to someone – talking can help, and whilst it might not always be easy to talk to a family member or friend, you can contact the Cruse helpline

In addition, Co-op Funeralcare homes in Swansea are also inviting those who have lost a parent, or father figure, to drop in and leave a message of remembrance on one of their memorial trees. There, visitors will also be able to receive advice and be signposted to valuable grief resources.

Steven Wibberley, Chief Executive at Cruse Bereavement Support said: “At Cruse, we know just how impactful losing a parent can be. Anniversaries and special days of celebration, like Father’s Day, can be really difficult for some people who aren’t able to spend it with the person they love.

That’s why we’re happy to be working closely with our partner’s at The Co-op to ensure people are supported through their grief this Father’s Day. It’s important people know they are not alone and help is there if they are struggling.”

Michael Pengelly, Head of South Division at Co-op Funeralcare said: “Father’s Day can be a difficult time of the year for those who have experienced the loss of a parent or father figure – whether it’s the first year without them or the tenth.

“While dads can teach and prepare us for almost everything, the one thing they can’t prepare us for is how to live without them. That’s why here at Co-op Funeralcare, alongside our bereavement partner Cruse, we want to support those struggling with grief to help them navigate through this Father’s Day.

“We hope the tips we’ve shared will make Father’s Day just a bit easier for people, and we’d like to encourage anyone struggling to come to us. We’re here to help – all local people need to do is reach out.”

 To find out more about Co-op Funeralcare and read about bereavement support, visit coop.co.uk/funeralcare/advice

 For more information about Cruse Bereavement Support, go to cruse.org.uk