Co-op Funeralcare launches Memory Bears service

Co-op Funeralcare has launched a new service that offers bereaved families the opportunity to remember their loved one by turning their clothing into a Memory Bear.

It comes after Co-op Funeralcare research found that 22% of those who have experienced bereavement said they found it difficult to know what to do with their late loved ones’ belongings, whilst 25% of bereaved families struggled with clearing out their loved ones’ treasured possessions.

The Memory Bears are now available across all Co-op funeral homes in the UK. Each bear is entirely handmade and completely bespoke, and takes up to four weeks to be completed. Families can be involved with the design process, deciding how each item of clothing should be used to create the finished product.

Families will be able to provide between one and five items of clothing for a small bear, or two to six items for a larger bear. Prices for the service start at £80 for the standard design, with the option for families to choose from a number of add-on features, such as an ash pocket, a sound insert with the loved one’s voice recording or a personalised embroidery.

Gill Stewart, MD of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Our colleagues are dedicated to supporting the bereaved families we work with long after the funeral, as we continually strive to look for new and innovative ways we can help families honour their loved one’s not just through the funeral service, but also through uniquely personal memorial items and keepsakes. 

“The Memory Bears service is available to all; including those who may not have arranged a funeral with us, as well as those whose loved ones funeral was conducted a while ago.”