Andrew travelled to Stirling University for the Saif Scotland Northern Ireland Education Day on Saturday.
“It was wonderful to meet so many colleagues from across Scotland and Northern Ireland, we joined together for a day of learning, discussion and honest conversation about the issues shaping our profession.” commented Andrew.
A full programme saw several speakers sharing updates, knowledge and experience on their respective specialties and two discussion panels answered questions regarding current issues and the future of our profession throughout the UK.
Regulations – I found it very insightful to speak with the recently appointed inspectors of funeral directors for Scotland, they are in the early stages of implementing new regulations which hope to safeguard families, the deceased and raise standards in funeral care.
Direct Cremations – Chris Wilson, CEO of Golden Charter and Ed Lane, MD of Westerleigh Crematoriums spoke on the changing needs of clients and how many more people are choosing direct cremations. We are very pleased to say we can offer these services as well as affordable funerals in a dignified and personal way, something larger companies who may be servicing over 20,000 direct cremations a year may lack.
Well-being – Derek Elder (Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner) Spoke about how the mind and nervous system actually works, how the body adapts to its environment, and how carrying constant grief with no real separation between the role and home life shows up in relationships and around family. How this can be managed and advice on going forward.
Parkinson’s UK – Gary Stalker (SAIF National President) raised over £400 for his charity of the year, through a raffle, we had a brief insight into the amazing work of specialist Parkinson’s Nurses and how they can transform the journey of a person and family effected by Parkinson’s.
There where many more speakers who brought valuable insight and encouragement which Andrew hopes he can use throughout Milne Funeral Services to assist families in their grief journey.
Pictured below is Andrew with Ross Anderson, President of SAIF Scotland & Northern Ireland (SSNI).
