Lewisham Council now offers a civil funeral ceremony, for when a loved one has passed away.
A traditional religious funeral may not suit everyone, so the option of having a civil funeral ceremony, in which individual beliefs are reflected through words, readings and music, can be very comforting.
This new service provides an alternative to a traditional funeral and an opportunity for people to choose a unique and personal way of saying goodbye to a loved one.
Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “Each of Lewisham's civil funeral ceremonies will be an individual service, where family anecdotes and tributes can be incorporated with favourite pieces of music, poetry and readings to produce a very personal way to say goodbye.”
Civil ceremonies can take place at anytime following a death; such as at the time of the funeral, or when interring ashes, or whenever those left behind are ready to do so. Arrangements can be made for the ceremony to take place at any suitable venue other than a religious building, which could be at the crematorium or by the graveside.
Lewisham Register Office Celebrants, all of whom are experienced registrars, will meet with family and friends either at home or in the register office to plan and personalise the ceremony.
More information about civil funeral services
You can contact Lewisham Register Office on 020 8690 2128 or email register.office@lewisham.gov.uk