Between 23 February and 2 March 2026, we’ll be taking part in National Funeral Planning Awareness Week in association with Golden Charter, a week designed to spark meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and help people feel more confident about their funeral wishes.
We know that these conversations are never easy, but they are so incredibly important, for your own peace of mind, and for your family and friends.
Why this conversation matters
This year’s theme is “The most important conversation you’ve never had”, and it couldn’t be more fitting.
Talking about funeral wishes doesn’t have to be overwhelming or morbid. It can be taken one step at a time, a small conversation now that can make an enormous difference later.
Recent research from SunLife highlights just how important this is:
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18% of families don’t know any of their loved one’s funeral wishes
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Fewer than 1% know all of them
That means many families are left trying to make deeply personal decisions while grieving, often second-guessing themselves and worrying whether they’re “doing the right thing”.
A gift to the people you love
Having a conversation about your funeral wishes isn’t about being pessimistic. It’s about clarity, reassurance, and love.
It can be as simple as talking about:
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Burial or cremation
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Music or readings
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Religious, spiritual, or non-religious preferences
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Whether you’d like something traditional, modern, colourful, or quietly simple
There’s no pressure to decide everything at once. The aim is simply to start.
By reflecting on your wishes and sharing them with the people closest to you, you’re giving them something incredibly valuable: confidence. Confidence that when the time comes, they are honouring you.
Join the conversation
Throughout National Funeral Planning Awareness Week, we’ll be sharing ideas, resources, and gentle prompts to help people start these conversations in a way that feels right for them.
Whether it’s a quiet chat over a cup of tea, a note written down for reassurance, or simply saying “this is something I’d like you to know”, every conversation counts.
Together, we can help ensure that wishes are understood, respected and carried out with care. And most importantly, that families are supported, not burdened, during one of life’s most difficult moments.
If you would like to find out more about the funeral plans we offer, please visit Prepaid Funeral Plans in Coventry & the West Midlands | Franklin & Hawkins Funeral Directors
We’re proud to partner with Golden Charter Funeral Plans, with over 1 million customers planning ahead with them. *
All Golden Charter plans offer the care and support of your local funeral director when it matters most. With a pre-paid Golden Charter funeral plan you’re not just taking care of your funeral, you’re taking care of your family.
Golden Charter funeral plan holders will benefit from our professionalism and care when carrying out your funeral wishes, whenever in the future they’re required. It means you can be sure of a truly personal service when it matters most.
If you’d like to talk, ask questions, or simply explore your options, we’re always here.
*Correct as of July 2025
