Dorset funeral group continues bereavement sessions despite Covid

A Dorset funeral group is ensuring its pro bono bereavement services continue throughout the pandemic, despite the tier lockdown system.

The Douch Family Funeral Directors has found a way to host the counselling sessions to those who have lost loved ones during Covid.

Sessions are held at its branch in Corfe Mullen and the Parish Rooms in Blandford, with the Isle of Purbeck-based sessions taking place over the phone.

The group runs seven branches in east Dorset, including: Douch & Small, A E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, James Smith, Ives & Shand and Lesley Shand Funeral Service.

Emma Regan, the group’s community engagement and development manager, said: “We really believe that our role doesn’t stop with the funeral but continues afterwards with bereavement counselling.

“We decided at the outset to open the sessions to anyone in the area and Covid and the lockdowns have made them more important than ever. With venues being closed during the first lockdown we moved online and to the phone, but then returned when restrictions were relaxed.”

She added: “For this lockdown we have been able to continue running sessions in Blandford and our Ferndown group is meeting at our Corfe Mullen branch. We are fortunate to have these facilities which enable us to continue face-to-face sessions.

“We’re looking at other venues in the Isle of Purbeck but we are continuing to offer the service over the telephone. Counselling has been extremely important for many people during the Covid crisis.”