Co-op Funeralcare to offer new direct cremation service

Co-op Funeralcare has announced it is to offer a new direct cremation service aimed at those looking for a “no frills” service.

With regards to a price for the new service a Co-op spokesperson told Funeral Service Times: “the price is still something we’re exploring with the offering and will be between £1,000 and £1,500”.

The service comes following research from the funeral directors that found a growing interest in direct cremation. The company plans to extend its research into dying in the UK as it looks to put an end to taboos surrounding bereavement.

The initial poll by Co-op said that 50 percent of those surveyed said that more open conversations about death would have helped them to cope with bereavement.

Robert MacLachlan, managing director at Co-op Funeralcare said: “We know that talking about death is one of the hardest conversations people have to have.

“It’s a huge national issue and that’s why we’re encouraging the nation to get talking about this important subject, as a huge number of us believe the way we approach it needs to change. If we had more open conversations about this topic, just think of the positive outcomes that could be achieved.

“Making arrangements for a loved one’s funeral is a huge responsibility, with everyone having their own personal wishes. No-one likes to think about their own mortality, but having a discussion and planning ahead can have huge benefits in terms of being able to do the right thing for loved ones when the time comes.”

Co-op believes many people didn’t ask for direct cremation because they didn’t know it existed. There has been a growing trend of direct cremations following the direct cremation of David Bowie following his death in January 2016.