Bereavement charity to benefit from funeral book proceeds

A Leeds bereavement charity that helps people dealing with grief to write and record an original song in memory of someone who has died has won support from the Yorkshire author behind a funeral self-help book.

The Swan Song Project helps people dealing with a bereavement to create their own songs as a way of honouring someone and processing grief, even if they have no previous musical or writing experience.

Sarah Jones, author of Funerals Your Way and owner of independent Yorkshire funeral directors Full Circle Funerals, was so inspired by the initiative that she has pledged the 2021 proceeds of her book to support the charity.

Sarah said: “I wrote the book to raise awareness of the support available and to give people the information they need to make the choices that feel right for them.

“The concept of Swan Song, which shows people how creative songwriting might be helpful and helps them to write their own song, aligns perfectly with the book’s aims.

“When someone dies our relationship with them does not end, but it slowly changes over time.

“Making a song can be an uplifting and personal way to celebrate that person and maintain a bond with them by listening to and singing their song.”

Ben Buddy Slack of The Swan Song Project said: “Songs hold memories and I believe everyone has a song, and everyone’s song deserves to be sung.

“The songwriting process enables people to reflect on their experiences, explore and express emotions and create something unique to add to someone’s legacy.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Sarah and Full Circle Funerals and we hope that our partnership with her, along with the proceeds from the book, will help more people find a special way to remember someone who has died through song.”

In previous years, proceeds from Funerals Your Way have been donated to Leeds Bereavement Forum and hospices across Yorkshire.