A Humanist funeral gives you the chance to say goodbye to the person you have lost in a way that is meaningful to you

The aim is to celebrate the life that has ended, and to sincerely reflect their personality in a warm and supportive ceremony.

You don’t need to be a ‘card carrying’ humanist to have a humanist funeral – they are appropriate for anyone who didn’t have any religious belief, and for families who want a service which is welcome and inclusive to everyone present, and which puts the person who has died at the centre of the ceremony.

I consider it a privilege to be able to help people celebrate the life of the person they loved, and to say farewell in a fitting and respectful manner. Over my long career as a nurse I was used to dealing with people at the most stressful and emotional times. Now I am a humanist celebrant, my aim will always be to try and make a stressful experience as easy as possible for you.

I may be contacted either via your chosen Funeral Director, or you can contact me directly at amanda.kinnear@humanistceremonies.org.uk and I will arrange a time to come and see you.

I will build up a picture of your loved one in order to write a tribute (eulogy) for them. People often find comfort in sharing memories or anecdotes, especially the ones that raises a smile. The ceremony will often also include music, and poetry or readings. These can be personal choices, that meant something special to the person who has died or their family, but I am happy to make suggestions if required.

If there is anyone who wishes to take part in the funeral, maybe reading part or all of the tribute, or a poem, I can build the service around their contribution. The aim is to make the service exactly right for you and your family.

There may be people present who have a religious faith, or to whom a more traditional service is more familiar. With your permission, I would always offer a period of reflection, (giving them the opportunity to say a private prayer if they so wish).

After the service is completed I will present you with a presentation copy of the script as a PDF, so you can send it to others if desired, and if you wish I can also bring a printed copy.

My fee for a funeral ceremony is £220.

I regularly perform services in South Yorkshire, and North Derbyshire and will travel further afield by arrangement. Services can be held in traditional crematoria or cemeteries, at woodland burial sites, or in other venues, especially if you want a longer service or are expecting a large number of people to attend. I can also conduct a ceremony for the interment or scattering of ashes. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or want to discuss any aspect of a service.

I have also adopted the Celebrant Accord, developed by the Funeral Celebrancy Council and intended to set the standards of excellence for all celebrants.