Raising awareness about funeral poverty

Published: Monday 21 November 2022

This image shows council leader Joe Fagan with members of the Financial Inclusion Network at the launch of Funeral Poverty Awareness Week

Today is the start of Funeral Poverty Awareness Week.

The South Lanarkshire Financial Inclusion Network (FIN) is promoting the week for five days starting today (21 November 2022).

This will be the first time the Funeral Poverty Sub-group from FIN has trialled this way of raising awareness around the subject of funeral poverty.

However, the group, who are made up of a number of partners from the statutory and voluntary sector in South Lanarkshire, are keen that citizens know about the support that is available out there to help them when someone dies.

Council Leader and chair of the Community Planning Partnership, Joe Fagan, said: “Losing a loved one is never easy, but we want people to be aware of the supports that are in place to ensure the financial aspect of arranging a funeral is not an added stress and strain at such a difficult time.

“Over the course of this week we will be sharing messages on social media, website, newsletters and through our partners distribution networks.

“I hope people will find the information helpful and if will include topics such as our respectful funeral services, funeral support payment, spiritual support, emotional support and support for carers.”

Some of the Agencies involved in the subgroup include the Department of Work and Pension, Seniors Together, South Lanarkshire Money Matters Service, Hamilton Churches, The Manda Centre, Lanarkshire Carers Centre, and Lanarkshire Ethnic Minority Action Group.

For more information please contact the council's Community Engagement Team by email or by calling 0303 123 1017.