A DENTON funeral home is offering a place of comfort for people struggling with grief over the festive season.
New research has revealed how tough this time of year can be for those who’ve lost someone close.
Co-op Funeralcare Dowse Catterall, based on Ashworth Street, has set up a community bereavement tree to help local families remember loved ones in a simple but meaningful way.
Residents are invited to drop in and hang a photograph, message or small ornament in tribute.
The idea stems from findings that 58 per cent of bereaved people find calendar events like Christmas particularly difficult – a figure staff at the Denton home say reflects the conversations they regularly have with families.
Tim Bloomer, Director of Regional Operations, said the initiative aims to acknowledge how raw the festive season can feel.
“For those who have experienced bereavement, Christmas can bring memories back to the surface and make the absence of a loved one feel even more profound,” he said. “That’s why we’ve started the bereavement tree initiative, providing a comforting space for reflection and togetherness.
“Our role within the community goes beyond arranging funerals. We want to remind people that they are not alone, that there is support and a space to be heard. Sometimes the smallest gesture of remembrance can bring comfort during challenging times.”
Visitors can add their tributes at any time during opening hours, and staff say the tree has already sparked conversations among people who might otherwise feel isolated in their grief.
The team hopes the space will become a gentle reminder that support is available long after a funeral has taken place.