Minister there for forgotten workers
Offering support in these difficult times
A Perthshire-based ordained celebrant is keen to highlight the importance of those she describes as the forgotten key workers during the current global coronavirus pandemic.
Angela Maughan is an independent minister who performs weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals.
She works closely with funeral directors and families to create ceremonies that honour the life and death of a person, providing an aftercare service that she says is now more important than ever.
Angela explained: “Death and dying is always a difficult subject, even more so now in these challenging and uncertain times, and I think it is important to recognise the efforts of forgotten key workers such as funeral directors and arrangers, morticians, drivers, crematoria staff and ground staff whose roles are necessary, essential and very difficult at this time.
“It is also a very difficult time for families who have lost a loved one.
“There have been so many changes recently in how we normally approach the death of a loved one and which affect our grieving process.
“Since we have been in lockdown, I have only been able to communicate with families over the phone or via video and meeting apps, rather than in person.
“While it is still possible to gather information for the eulogy and gain an insight into the person’s values and essence through the family’s memories, I miss the physical connection – the shaking of hands and the hugs.”
She added: “At the moment, families cannot see their deceased relatives, which is difficult.
“On the day of the service, families have to make their own way to the service and aren’t allowed to carry the coffin or hold cords.
“Only direct family members are allowed to be present and they have to maintain social distancing there is no hand shaking, no touching, no comforting, no collections, no wakes.
“A lot of the rituals involved in mourning the death of a loved one are no longer possible and I feel heartbroken for the families who cannot hold each other in this time of need and who haven’t had the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one in the way they would like to.”
Angela says that she is working remotely with other celebrants across the country to look at ways to address some of the issues that are arising out of the global coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “All of the families I work with are offered the opportunity to hold a memorial service for their loved one in the future and I am happy to help out in any way, in the writing, or being there on the day.
“I am always there with a family in their grief and loss for as long as they want and need me, and I foresee these being much longer relationships now and in the future, as the current situation makes it a little more difficult to deal with loss and grief.
“Together with other celebrants we are looking at how to officiate funerals over the internet using different apps should we need to – some crematoriums already have the facility of streaming services.
“We can’t guarantee families anything at the moment, but we are doing out best to support them in the best ways we can.”
Angela added: “We are already grieving the loss of our normal lives and routines but as a nation we are united in our appreciation for all of the key workers who are keeping the country going.
“Please do what you are asked – stay in, wash your hands and abide by the current guidelines and rules.
“Let the NHS cope as it is right now without being overwhelmed.
“Stick to the current rules within the crematoriums, so that they don’t have to shut and deny other families the ritual of a funeral service.
“Plan a future memorial service or celebration of life for those loved ones lost.
“Remember the funeral services as you clap for key workers.
“And remember this will end, and we will be able to hold our loved ones again and celebrate the lives of the loved ones we have lost.”