Have you ever thought what happens if you can’t pay for a funeral? Just how much does it cost and who do you go to for help? Teresa, Rick and Thomas share their struggles with funeral poverty and the charity Down To Earth offer help and advice on where to turn.

Main presenter: Lindesay Mace

Editing and production: Helen Clapp

Music and sound design: Michael Edwards http://www.michaeledwards.tv/

Organisations mentioned in the podcast and helpful links:

Down to Earth: https://www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-earth

News on the CMA interim report: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-proposes-major-funerals-probe-after-identifying-serious-concerns

Funeral directors signed up to the Fair Funerals pledge: http://fairfuneralscampaign.org.uk/map

Social fund funeral expenses payment: https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Bereavement support payment: https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Grant search: www.turn2us.org.uk

Money Advice Service on funeral plans https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/funeral-plans

Sun Life report: https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/cost-of-dying/cost-of-dying-report-2018.pdf

Royal London report referenced in podcast: https://www.royallondon.com/siteassets/site-docs/funeral-plans/royal-london-national-funeral-cost-index-2017.pdf

https://www.royallondon.com/siteassets/site-docs/media-centre/national-funeral-costs-index-2018.pdf

Funeral director comparison website (this site can give an indication of which funeral directors may be less/more expensive, but please note that prices given may not be completely accurate and it would be best to contact the funeral director for an exact quote): https://beyond.life/

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