Tamworth Co-op’s award-winning Bereavement Advice Centre provides a free drop-in service
In 2016, Tamworth Co-operative Society’s Bereavement Advice Centre was recognised for its outstanding service in the Good Funeral Awards which are seen as the funeral trade’s ‘Oscars.’
The Society’s funeral division picked up the prize for the Most Significant Contribution to the Understanding of Death.
It was a considerable feather in our cap and an accolade we continue to be very proud of, having established the centre as a way of helping people who find it hard to cope with bereavement.
As trusted funeral directors in Tamworth with many years of experience and knowledge of the subject, we felt there was an overwhelming need for such a service in the town.
We opened the pioneering Bereavement Advice Centre on the ground floor of Tamworth Co-op’s department store at Colehill in 2011.
The centre moved across the road in 2022 following the relocation of the Society's head office to the former premises of the Co-op Bank. It is open five days a week, providing free advice and support to anyone, irrespective of whether they have arranged a funeral with us or not.
You don’t need an appointment. All you have to do is take that first step towards a happier life by walking in and speaking to one of our sympathetic staff in confidence.
Head of the Bereavement Advice Centre Leah Sandford said: “Some people experience severe difficulties in coming to terms with the death of a friend or a loved one. We put them in touch with counsellors locally who can help them with their loss. This could be St Giles Hospice, Sacred Heart, Cruse or the Samaritans, depending on the particular need of the individual.
“Many things need to be addressed when somebody dies. It can be an overwhelming and very emotional time for those left behind. We are here to offer practical support and guidance to anybody who needs it.”
Visitors can also help themselves to information packs covering various subjects and look at displays and trends in the funeral world.
Exhibits include a high quality model of a Harley Davidson with a sidecar designed to carry a hearse. The real version is regularly used to take motorcycle enthusiasts on their final journey. This illustrates the extent to which modern funerals can be tailored to individual requirements.
The decor is designed to be both welcoming and relaxing with soft carpets, furniture and flower arrangements. A private room with comfortable armchairs and tables is also available for people who prefer to talk in confidence.
Tamworth Co-operative Society also uses social media to reach the community, holding innovative awareness-raising days and supporting local groups working with bereaved families.
The Good Funeral Awards judges praised Tamworth Co-operative Funeral Service for leading the way in working with the local community ‘to understand the myriad of emotions and potential difficulties they may have to endure during a bereavement.’
They described the decision to invest in this area of communicating knowledge as a bold one and added that our “community based, thoughtful approach to bringing the difficult subject of death and bereavement into general awareness is of huge value, and believe the work being done by Tamworth Co-op deserves to be widely applauded.”
Former GMTV host Penny Smith presented the award to Amanda Woodward, general manager of the funeral division, at a glittering ceremony in London attended by more than 250 people.
Amanda said: “We believe having such an open and easily accessible service in the very heart of the town helps to dispel some of the fear and mystery that can surround the subject of death. The centre makes it easier for people to discuss their feelings and receive the right kind of help and support. It has proved a very well used service. Being located so close to Tamworth Registry Office makes it especially convenient for people who are in the process of registering a loved one’s death.”
Tamworth Bereavement Advice Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am-4.30pm. A 24-hour helpline service is also available on 01827 62094.
Contact details:
Located within the former Co-op Bank premises.
8 Colehill, Tamworth, B79 7HE.
Telephone: 01827 65333
Fax: 01827 62999
Email: funeral.advice@tamworth.coop
Our Bereavement Support Guide
Please download our bereavement support guide below. It covers everything that needs to be done when someone dies and where to find help if you are struggling with grief.
