Vines Funeral Directors launches new grief support hub

Dudley-based Vines Funeral Directors has become the first funeral service to launch a Grief Support Hub in the form of a free online-based resource to support its clients. 

Created by Grief Specialists CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to offering immediate professional bereavement support, Grief Support Hub now forms part of Vines Funeral’s service. 

As well as short guides filled with useful information about what to expect, how to cope, and how to exercise self care, it also connects people with trained grief professionals. 

Through Grief Specialists, Vines Funerals also provides a level of financial assistance for those who need one-to-one sessions who wouldn’t normally be able to access private care. 

The new firm of funeral directors looked to “break the mould” by recognising those who are left behind after a death, citing the need of ongoing bereavement support long after the funeral has taken place.

Richard Vines, founder of Vines Funeral Directors, said: “We are keen to do things differently. Having worked in the profession for a couple of decades, and following in my father’s footsteps who also worked in the profession for over 40 years, I have learned that the funeral is just the beginning for those who have been left behind. 

“We understand the unique significance of each individual’s life, and we are here to support families who are grieving.”

Maria Bailey, director of Grief Specialists CIC, added: “Our goal is to help Vines Funerals to deliver exceptional after-care to grieving families. We have designed the Grief Support Hub to make a lasting difference in the lives of their clients. 

“It has been set up as part of Vines Funerals’ website, and clients receive email prompts to help them at what can be a difficult and distressing time.”