By Edwina Ellicott, Community Engagement Manager at H.Parsons
Every section of society has been impacted by COVID, and the funeral industry is no exception. Shane Chapman, Customer Service Manager at H.Parsons, is seeing first-hand the impact on families.
“As a team we are constantly reviewing the way we do things, making sure we’re complying with changing restrictions so that we are COVID safe,” Shane said.
“To date (early October), 90% of our staff are fully vaccinated and we are on track for achieving 100% by November.
“Most importantly, we want to make the situation easier for the families that we serve and ensure they have the best possible funeral and service.
“Knowing a family can only have a certain amount of people attend the service is really tough, but there are some things that can be done which make a massive difference.
“Webcasting the service for instance, has become very popular. We offer it as a free service from all of our facilities, and at our Wollongong Chapel, we go one step further with the Zoom Wall.
“With webcasting, family members and friends from all over the world can view the service, while the Zoom Wall is interactive technology. Attendees at the Wollongong Chapel can connect with everyone who has logged in via Zoom. Remote attendees appear on the Zoom Wall and can talk, smile and wave to those in the Chapel. This is about as close as you can get to being there in person.
“People are also struggling emotionally and financially.
“To experience the death of someone close to you and on top of all of this to then arrange and attend a funeral with so many constraints makes it doubly hard. Our priority is to help people have a service that is as close to their wishes as possible. If families are struggling financially, we have options that are available to them.
“Providing a dignified and respectful service – for everyone – despite their financial circumstances is our priority.
“Limits on attendance have been the hardest part for families to have to come to terms with. I’m really impressed with how well families are respecting NSW Health’s guidelines and working with us. It’s a real reflection on our community working together.
“At the moment we can offer catering packs for the limited gatherings after the service.
“But many families are now planning a memorial service to be held later, when restrictions on attendance are eased. This may include a service and a gathering afterwards at the same location as the funeral. Importantly, it will be a chance to bring everyone together to support each other and remember their loved one in a fitting way.”