A range of services and packages for mourners unable to attend funerals because of the coronavirus lockdown has been unveiled by the Co-op.
Funeral directors are attempting to deal with restrictions as churches and crematoriums are closed to the public and there is a spike in deaths.
Co-op said it would be offering cortege services to pass by loved ones favourite place, or pass the family home to allow those isolating a chance to pay their last respects.
The firm added it has also become the first national funeral provider to introduce a direct burial service, which does not have an attended service.
And with problems sourcing flowers, Co-op added it would team up with suppliers to ensure families and friends have easy access.
The move comes as a group of Tory MPs call on the Church of England to ease restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak to allow small-scale funerals in churches.
Funerals can currently only take place at the graveside or the crematorium, although some are only allowing guests to remain outside, socially distancing.
Sam Tyrer, managing director for Co-op Funeralcare said: “We are arranging funerals in a way we would never have thought possible just weeks ago so that bereaved families can continue to honour their loved ones in a unique and beautiful way and say their best possible goodbyes.
“Whilst communities are not able to come together as they usually would to pay their respects, we have made sure that there are other ways for those impacted to be part of their loved one’s final journey.”
The changes come as Co-op launched a new Hardship Fund, to provide families of keyworkers who have died due to Covid-19 and who are in financial hardship, with a £250 contribution towards funeral costs.
