A strict limit still applies to funeral services of 20 people, or 30 for an outdoor service. While better, there are still a lot of people that want to hold a larger service and that is fair. Funerals are seen as a final goodbye, a chance to pay our last respects to a person and an opportunity to mourn with others.
Webcasting and our Zoom Wall has helped to give people the opportunity to attend a larger gathering, but it is not the same. The sense of community and closeness can be there but, just not as strong as if everyone had attended in person.
There are ways to help this though. Especially now with the 15th May changes to social distancing. Below are some ideas that may help to make the situation, a little less difficult:
1. Get Together
As of the 15th of May, up to 5 visitors can visit a home. If you were planning on watching a service via the Zoom Wall or webcasting, why not do it with others? Reach out to people and organize your own smaller service. It will be a far less lonely event and gives you the opportunity to mourn or share memories with others.
Why not post on the Facebook notice from FuneralAnnouncement.com.au and ask if people would like to join you?
Please remember though, a limit of 5 visitors still applies to homes.
2. Organise Your Own Gathering For After Social Distancing
Once social distancing is reduced enough, or done away with, you may want to hold a memorial service with everyone. Watching the service live is still important and planning to hold a service in a few weeks or months shouldn’t detract from that but holding a second memorial service might be a good option.
Perhaps at a family home, at the cemetery or if you like, at the chapel where the original service took place. You can always call us if you would like to discuss this option.
3. Phone Calls
Prior to the service, after the service, one week later or a few hours later, calling and talking with people can help. For you, or for them, it gives you the chance to interact and talk, as you would have at the service. This may seem obvious but for someone struggling it can mean a lot.
Stay Safe
With social distancing restrictions continuing to ease, hopefully things will be back to normal soon. In the meantime though, stay safe and if you have questions, comments or concerns about social distancing, our team is always glad to help.
