Meet your local Central Co-op funeral team

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 16/05/2024


With the subject of death and funerals still deemed taboo, there are many unanswered questions that can make the process of planning a funeral feel daunting for anyone. Which is why Central Co-op’s local funeral teams got together to take away some of the mystery behind funeral homes.

Central Co-op's funeral homes in Leicestershire boast a rich heritage deeply rooted in the community, spanning generations of compassionate service to families during their most challenging times. McCartneys Hinckley, Central Co-op Burbage, Wilf Smith & Son Ullesthorpe, Central Co-op Lutterworth, Wilf Smith & Son Bilton, and Towers & Son Crick all stand as pillars of support and care. So, who are the dedicated teams behind the funerals homes that have been serving locals for generations?

Lauren Hibbins – Personal Funeral Advisor at Wilf Smith & Sons, Ullesthorpe
With three years of experience at Central Co-op, Lauren understands the importance of empathy and support during difficult times. As a mother of two and a devoted pug owner, she brings warmth and understanding to every interaction. Lauren's guilty pleasure of scrolling through TikTok reflects her vibrant personality and dedication to connecting with others.

Nickola Coughlan - Personal Funeral Advisor at Lutterworth
Drawing from her background as a teacher and her role within the local community for 16 years, Nickola brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as a personal funeral advisor. Whether she's enjoying a good book, indulging her creative side through drawing and writing, or spending quality time with loved ones at the cinema or pub, Nickola's caring nature shines through in all that she does.

Julie Walker - Funeral Director at Towers and Son Funeral Services in Crick and Lutterworth
With over a decade of experience at Central Co-op, Julie's journey from administrator to funeral director reflects her dedication to providing unwavering support to families. Having lived in Crick for many years, Julie has a deep understanding of the local community and is passionate about offering personalised care and assistance during times of grief. In her spare time, Julie finds joy in crafting and embracing her creative side.

Adam Troop - Funeral Director at Hinckley
Adam’s meticulous approach to his role as a funeral director ensures that every detail is carefully attended to. Adam’s commitment to excellence ensures that families receive the highest standard of care during their time of need. With a focus on transparency and professionalism, Adam upholds Central Co-op’s values with integrity and compassion.

 

Why did you get into the funeral industry?
Lauren: Losing my dad at a young age gave me a unique perspective on the grieving process. I know it can feel quite daunting to walk through the doors of a funeral home, and I just want to make families feel welcome, show them that I'm there for them and that I know what it's like.
Nicola: My background in teaching and working with bereaved children sparked my interest in supporting families through the death of a loved one. Transitioning to the funeral industry allowed me to continue giving back to the community and offer comfort during their most challenging moments.
Julie: I got into the funeral industry by chance really. I've always been drawn to the funeral industry, and when the opportunity arose, I knew it was the right path for me. Providing compassionate care to families has become my passion, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Could you walk us through the process families can expect when they choose your funeral home for arrangements?
Adam: From the initial phone call to the arrangement meeting, we aim to provide families with compassionate support every step of the way. Our goal is to create a welcoming and relaxed environment where families feel comfortable discussing their wishes and making important decisions. We understand that this is a challenging time, and we're here to offer guidance and assistance as needed.

In what ways do you assist families in making the right decisions for them?
Lauren: Our extensive knowledge of the local area allows us to guide families through the various burial and cremation options available to them. Whether it's discussing different crematoriums or exploring natural burial grounds, we strive to provide families with all the information they need to make informed decisions that honour their loved one's wishes.

How do you ensure transparency and clarity regarding pricing and financial matters for families during such a difficult time?
Julie: Transparency is a cornerstone of our practice. We provide families with detailed pricing breakdowns and discuss all available options to ensure they have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Our goal is to empower families to make decisions that align with their budget and preferences, allowing them to focus on honouring their loved one's memory without added stress.
Adam: Our commitment to supporting families extends beyond the funeral service itself. Central Co-op Members who arrange a funeral with us can now receive exclusive benefits, including the choice of one exclusive free item from a selection of options, including floral arrangements, an ashes casket and engraving, tailored to personalise and honour their loved ones, as well as a £125 reward on their Membership card.

What support services do you provide for grieving families before, during, and after the funeral service?
Nicola: In addition to offering emotional support and guidance, we provide families with access to bereavement resources and support groups. Our bereavement groups offer a safe space for families to connect and share their experiences, while our open-door policy ensures that we're always here to lend a listening ear whenever it's needed.

For more information on Central Co-op’s funeral care, visit centralcoop.co.uk/funeralcare/ or find out more on socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

 

ENDS

 

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004