Westerleigh Group

03/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome funeral professionals from across Scotland to East Lothian Crematorium & Memorial Gardens on Saturday for the NAFD Scotland Education Day.

The event brought together colleagues from across the funeral profession to share knowledge, explore developments within the industry and discuss the future of funeral and bereavement services.

We are always pleased to support our industry colleagues by hosting events that bring people together, and it was fantastic to see so many attendees engaging with the programme and contributing to meaningful conversations throughout the day.

Thank you to the National Association of Funeral Directors, the speakers and everyone who attended for making the day such a success.

02/06/2026

We’re delighted to announce our most recent SuperVenue launch at Wessex Vale Crematorium.

Congratulations to Sarah and her team on a fantastic launch event last night and Justin Standfield Celebrant, who helped to unveil the new SuperVenue to industry professionals. The evening showcased our newly transformed chapel and marked an exciting milestone for the site and the community of Southampton.

This SuperVenue offers families an unprecedented level of personalisation, creating truly unique service experiences not available anywhere else locally, while also helping to open meaningful conversations around loved ones’ wishes.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/QjlQ50Z6xvm

27/05/2026

Not every family wants the same kind of farewell.

Some people prefer something traditional, while others are looking for a more personal touch, but most simply want the reassurance that they have a choice.

As an appointed representative of Westerleigh Funeral Plans, you're well placed to offer that choice, with a proposition that's straightforward to introduce and built to work around the way you already do business.

A guaranteed cremation at any Westerleigh site

A low, fixed admin fee

Tailored plans to suit a full range of services and wishes

If you’d like to see how it could work for you, get in touch and we’ll talk it through.

Email us at [email protected] or visit www.westerleighgroup.co.uk

Westerleigh Funeral Plans (a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

22/05/2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Seddon, Partner in the Private Capital team at Clarke Willmott, to discuss the realities of wills, probate, estate planning and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

With more than 15 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle shares valuable insights into why so many people delay planning for the future, the increasing complexity of modern estates and families, and the impact upcoming tax and inheritance changes could have across the UK.

We also explore the emotional side of bereavement work, the importance of compassionate legal guidance, and the real-life stories that highlight why having plans in place matters.

Available now on all major podcast platforms.

21/05/2026

Exciting progress continues across two of our new crematorium developments in the North.

At Vale of York Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, works are progressing well with major milestones achieved, including high-level steel installation, completion of internal birdcage scaffolding in the crematory area, and continued progress across the service yard and car park infrastructure. Roofing works are now underway, with final masonry sections and parapet walls due to commence shortly.

Meanwhile, at Great North Crematorium & Memorial Gardens in Cramlington, strong progress continues on site. Brickwork and blockwork have now reached the third lift, parapet works are complete, and lower-level roof structures have been finished. Landscaping preparations are also advancing, with topsoil spreading and overseeding works underway, alongside additional field drainage improvements.

These developments mark another important step forward in creating thoughtfully designed spaces that will support families and communities for generations to come.

08/05/2026

Season 2 of our podcast is now live!

Before You Go is back with deeper conversations, powerful stories, and voices that deserve to be heard.

We’re opening the season with a powerful episode featuring Dr Emma Clare -Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK.

Emma’s journey is unlike most, from domiciliary care to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in end-of-life support. In this episode, she shares what it really means to be there for someone at the end of life, and why we need to change the way we talk about death.

The episode is out now. Make sure you’re following so you don’t miss future episodes.

Listen on Spotify here:

Podcast · Westerleigh Group · Podcast hosted by Matt Brook invites a range of guests to have open and honest conversations about death, grief and the way we remember - topics which are worth talking about before you go. This podcast has been made by Westerleigh Group, one of the UK's leading provi...

07/05/2026

At Westerleigh Group, we believe funerals play a vital role in helping people say a meaningful goodbye.

Our latest research shows that 77% of people feel attending a funeral is essential, and 92% value a personalised service that reflects the life of their loved one. Yet, too many families are left without clear guidance- with 65% receiving little or no direction on final wishes.

This lack of conversation is creating what we describe as a “Great Silence”, placing added pressure on families during an already emotional time.

Funerals are not just ceremonies, they are important moments for connection, reflection and healing. By encouraging more open conversations around death and planning ahead, we can help reduce stress and ensure more meaningful farewells.

Read more about our research: https://ow.ly/Ia0C50YVWpp

06/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our SuperVenue at Woollensbrook Cemetery & Crematorium.

Congratulations to Mark and his team on a fantastic launch event last night, where they unveiled the new SuperVenue to industry professionals and welcomed distinguished guests, including Deputy Lieutenant Karen Trew. The evening showcased our newly transformed chapel and marked an exciting milestone for the site.

This SuperVenue offers families an unprecedented level of personalisation—creating truly unique service experiences not available anywhere else locally, while also helping to open meaningful conversations around loved ones’ wishes.

05/05/2026

Season 2 of our podcast is coming soon!🎙️

Before You Go is back with deeper conversations, powerful stories, and voices that deserve to be heard.

We’re starting this season with a powerful opening episode featuring Dr Emma Clare – Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK.

Emma’s journey is unlike most—from domiciliary care to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in end-of-life support. In this episode, she shares what it really means to be there for someone at the end of life, and why we need to change the way we talk about death.

The episode drops on Friday. Make sure you're following so you don’t miss it.

04/05/2026

Talking about our own funerals might feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have.

During Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re reminded that planning ahead isn’t about being uncomfortable - it’s about care and clarity. When we share our wishes, we ease the burden on the people we love. We give them guidance at a time when emotions can feel overwhelming and we create space for a farewell that truly reflects who we are.

Whether it’s the type of service, music, readings or even just the atmosphere, these conversations help ensure our lives are honoured in a way that feels right. More importantly, they open the door to honest, meaningful discussions about life, death, and what matters most.

It doesn’t have to be a heavy conversation. It can start simply with: “Have you ever thought about what you’d want?”

Let’s normalise talking about dying, a short conversation today, can prevent uncertainty and make things easier for our loved ones later.