Your loved one’s funeral is in safe hands

Situated in the old South Downs Bikes workshop, which has been totally transformed and modernised after a lot of hard work, Penny has created a warm, welcoming environment, complete with its own service chapel.

She wanted to make the premises calm and relaxed, and doesn’t wear a uniform (apart from when conducting a funeral) as she wants people to feel comfortable when they come in.

She opened Safe Hands in December, with the aim of offering a fresh, open and caring approach to funerals.

Penny shared how she became concerned at the increasing (and often hidden) costs to the bereaved.

“I’m more about people than profit,” she said. “I want to make a difficult time as easy as possible, and treat everyone with kindness and compassion. Price is important, but the service they are getting is even more so. A funeral is a one-off event, it has to run smoothly and be a fitting farewell for the individual.

“I’m always happy to sit and chat and take time to listen to your story, your thoughts and wishes, so that we can plan together a truly memorable and fitting funeral. Whether that is a full traditional cremation or burial, a natural burial, a private cremation with no mourners attending or something completely different such as a service in a barn or woodlands or at our chapel here at Safe Hands.

“I have tried to keep my costs as reasonable as I can, after all, if you have just lost someone you love and care deeply for, the last thing you need on top of that is the worry of how you will afford to pay for a funeral. A private cremation costs £1,595 fully inclusive of all fees. But rest assured there will be no compromise on care, with everyone receiving the same level of professionalism, respect and gentle care, regardless of the type of funeral.”

Safe Hands’ Forge chapel can accommodate up to 20 people, with a TV screen for displaying a slideshow of favourite photographs. Safe Hands will also hold services on the weekend if required.

Penny also works with local firms Joanna’s Tearoom and the Linen Hut florist, as well as links with Two Woods in Pulborough and Cissbury House in Findon for unique services.

Penny said: “My aim is to take the stress away from the family. I can take care of everything, arranging to put obituary notice in local newspapers, ordering flowers and printing service sheets. There is a choice of coffins available from standard cremation, cardboard, bamboo, seagrass and willow, even woollen! It is being able to help people when they are going through a difficult time in their lives, and ensure they have a funeral that is personal and right for them and their loved one.”

Penny is happy to go out to people’s homes to discuss arrangements, and is able to offer pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Leaves, a trusted funeral plan provider.

To find out more call 01903 741444 or visit safehandsfuneralservice.co.uk