J. Hobbs Independent Civil Celebrant

11/06/2025

Yesterday marked the beginning of Loneliness Awareness Week. During this week, we will explore various aspects of loneliness and grief, as well as strategies for helping yourself or others experiencing these feelings. Loneliness is a significant issue in the UK, with more than a quarter of adults reporting that they often feel lonely, according to the 2023/24 UK Community Life Survey. While loneliness is not classified as a mental health disorder, it has been linked to several long-term health problems, including depression, anxiety, poor sleep, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact, its adverse health effects have been compared to smoking 15 ci******es a day. Please stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of loneliness, explore ways to combat it, and highlight local community resources available to support those who are experiencing it

14/02/2025

Not sure if this is something that can happen in UK but I know we are a nation of dog lovers.

✨Did you know that if you have a pacemaker, you can include it in your Will to be donated to a dog in need after you pass away?
Although pacemakers cannot be used for another human, they can help dogs with heart problems and potentially save their lives. You can arrange for the pacemaker to be sent to a vet of your choice.
Many pacemakers are simply thrown away, and dogs may die because people do not know about this option.
Donating the pacemaker can even save the dog's owner the cost of a new one, which can sometimes make a crucial difference in affording life-saving treatment.

31/01/2025

Great cause to give to if you can.

01/01/2025

We will remember them ❤️

30/12/2024

Be kind to yourselves xx

There is no timetable for how long grief lasts, or how you should feel, at any time of year.

Christmas can be especially hard but remember - you are not alone.

Visit the NHS website for advice on how to cope and get support if you need it. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/

18/12/2024

This is beautiful. I know many of us are experiencing our first Christmas without someone special and it’s tough.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to be all happy and excited, like TV and films tell us to be. It’s ok to not be ‘feeling it’ this year. Take some time to simply reflect on Christmases past, when your loved one was here to share in the festivities. Remember and be thankful for the good times you had, feel them with you in your heart as you take baby steps into your ‘new normal’.
I really miss you Mum xx

FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

It’s my first Christmas in heaven,
I’ve been dreading it all through the year.
Knowing that you will be lonely,
lost to the joy and the cheer.

I’ve been sending sweet robins to find you,
and feathers have brought you my love.
I’ve been whispering secrets to raindrops,
hoping you’ll hear me above.

It’s my first Christmas in heaven,
it’s a wonderful place to exist…
And the only sadness that finds me,
is wishing I wasn’t so missed.

Because if you look closely, you’ll see me,
in every small thing that you do.
I’m the joy that sneaks in through the window,
when you stop to admire the view.

I’m the laughter that gasps from your sadness
when your soul frees itself from this pain.
I’m the comfort that warms through your blanket
as you wrap yourself up from the rain.

It’s my first Christmas in heaven,
and they told me that this would be tough.
All I can do, is remind you, you’re loved
and I’ll pray, every day, it’s enough.

Donna Ashworth

(I wrote this by request and I hope it brings comfort to anyone who needs it tonight).

05/12/2024

❤️

23/11/2024

🕊❤

22/11/2024

21/11/2024

Tomorrow it’s National Funeral Celebrant Day!
If you’ve any questions about
Who I am?
What I do?
Why I do it?
Where you can find out more?
Please drop them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.

04/11/2024

Once again we’re approaching the time of year where ‘perfect’ family life is rammed down your throats through ads, Tv shows, shops, theatres, radio…everywhere. It’s hard to escape but it’s even harder to escape the gaping hole in your heart and life left by a loved one. We miss them 365 but some days just hit harder.

If you’re dreading the ‘festive holidays’ please seek support and find ways to make the days a little easier for you. Do things a little differently, add in new traditions or carry out the old ones in their memory.

I’m dreading this Christmas as it’s my first without my Mum. What I’d give to have one more day with her so I could say the things I should’ve said and hug her tighter and for longer than I ever did before. I might try this course, they say writing and journaling can help you to work through your grief. I guess I’ve nothing to lose from giving it a go.

If writing isn’t for you then try searching other support groups, charities, for tips and ideas that may help make this difficult period less traumatic.

Rewriting the Holidays After Loss is a free workshop designed to help you explore your grief, values, traditions, and support systems as you navigate the holiday season. You'll have the opportunity to create your own unique intentions, as what’s right for each person is different. This workshop will provide a framework to help you craft a personalized guide for surviving and finding meaning in the holidays. Participants will receive a workbook filled with writing and reflection prompts to support this process. The workshop will be facilitated by Litsa Williams, MA, LCSW-C, co-founder of What’s Your Grief.

Sign up here: https://streamyard.com/watch/rrdGUp4W86ry