Helping individuals and families on low incomes dealing with funerals and associated costs.
Since 2004, the average cost of a funeral has risen by 122% (Sunlife, 2018).
People come to Down to Earth online, or through the extensive referral networks we have with hospices, hospitals, victim support, CAB’s, faith and community organisations, and other charities.
Down to Earth works with people living on low incomes at four different stages:
- Terminally ill people, and their families and friends who want to think ahead and plan an affordable and meaningful funeral.
- Families and individuals who can plan an affordable and meaningful funeral before a funeral has taken place.
- Families and individuals who need support after the funeral has already taken place because of debt incurred through funeral costs through our online tool
Arranging affordable funerals
Our help is most effective before a funeral has taken place when we can support people take a step back and consider their options. As they share their hopes and fears for a funeral we explain options that are available and appropriate to their situation and personal beliefs. Together, we figure out what is essential and work out a budget.
This work takes place by phone and face-to-face. From there, the team liaises with funeral directors to secure the best possible price while checking eligibility for support from the state or other sources.
Making funerals meaningful
We also work closely with people to add dignity and personal touches to a service. This is a particularly pressing issue when a state arranged funeral - a service still stigmatised as ‘a pauper’s funeral’ - might be the only option.
“I couldn’t have done it without you. I don’t know anyone else who could have helped me through the process and made it so meaningful. You knew how difficult it was for me.”
Down to Earth service user
Mitigating debt
Once a funeral has been arranged we help to reduce and pay off debt through aiding people access state, charitable and other funds. People who come to us after the funeral has taken place and are already in debt as a result of funeral costs can also use Down to Earth’s online service to find out how to pay off or reduce their liabilities.
"Down to Earth made all the difference in the world, they put me in touch with charities for funds, and helped me apply to the DWP for a grant.
Without all the information and help they gave me I would have been sitting at home tearing my hair out. I did not know that Down to Earth existed but now I tell everyone I meet about it."
Down to Earth service user
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