courses & WOrkshops
Welcome to my courses and workshops!
Everything you see here has been put together by me, based on my experiences and skills of capturing life stories, creating and leading life celebration ceremonies, supporting bereaved individuals and families, having an insider’s knowledge of the funeral industry, plus a unique, optimistic view of mortality – the positive ways it enriches our lives. As well as my own individual experiences of life and loss. I promise there is something positive, up-lifting and beneficial here for everyone, whatever age or stage of life you have reached.
In fact, the sooner you start learning about these really significant subjects that will effect all of us at some point, the better. Especially when it comes to dealing with bereavement and organising funeral ceremonies. Because the more information you have in advance, before your emotions take over and the funeral director is asking you to make decisions about things you might never have given any thought to before, the more you’ll be able to cope emotionally and practically.
So here’s an introduction to what my courses and workshops are all about, how they work, as well as a menu of what’s on offer. Feel free to contact me if you’d like more information, have any questions, or would like to offer suggestions for additional courses or workshops you don’t see listed here.
What are my courses and workshops about?
• Taking away the fear of talking about death, turning it into a positive force for a happier life, and helping you be better prepared to deal with loss.
• Encouraging you to appreciate your value while you are still here. To understand how much your life matters, to recognise the unique difference you make to the world and those around you, and offer creative ways to capture and share the story of you and your colourful years on this earth.
• Showing you how to express your wishes and play a part in how you’d like to be remembered when your time comes.
• Equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to create meaningful, authentic ‘celebration of life’ ceremonies for the people you love... and for yourself.
Are they in-person at a designated date/venue? Or can they be done remotely whenever you choose?
The simple answer is ‘both’!
I’ll be offering group workshops run by me, in my own town of Kirkcudbright, and in the surrounding area of Dumfries and Galloway. And, where possible, there will be downloadable versions available if you’re further afield, or simply prefer to work through things on your own, in your own time and a place of your choosing. I can also offer one-to-one sessions locally. Just contact me with your request.
JOIN ME!
Celebrate Your Life
Remember Me
Two workshops that were made for each other!
Celebrate Your Life and Remember Me bring together your own life experiences with the experiences I’ve learnt from creating hundreds of ‘life celebration’ ceremonies. This compelling mix will result in opportunities for you to feel good about who you are, where you’ve come from, be inspired about the years ahead, and have the courage to consider how you want to be remembered when your time comes. And that’s not all! Because what you learn in this process will also equip you with all the information and inspiration you need to create meaningful farewells for the people you love.
Both are available individually as one day workshops, as well as downloadable courses. Each course/workshop is done separately, but has been created to follow on very nicely from one to the other. Here’s why…
‘Celebrate Your Life’ focuses on capturing your unique life story, taking you on a positive and uplifting journey through your colourful years and to the heart of who you are, helping you gain a greater appreciation of your uniqueness, your achievements, your precious place in the world and the value you give to the lives of others. You’ll build the knowledge and confidence you need to live the rest of your life to its fullest and most memorable. AND you’ll have something meaningful to pass on to your loved ones.
‘Remember Me’ moves on to ways of celebrating that unique life of yours, as we take an uplifting look at what sort of commemoration you might want for the colourful life you’ve led and the extraordinary person you’ve been. You’ll discover how to make your farewell ceremony as authentic and meaningful to you as it will be for your family and friends. It’s one of the most positive things you can do for yourself and your loved-ones, culminating in your own set of farewell wishes, and hopes for the legacy you want to leave behind.
Click the links find out more!
How to Make a Meaningful Funeral Ceremony for someone you love
All the essential advice, information and inspiration you’ll need.
If I had to choose one course that everyone should do as early as possible… it’s this one. Because the more information you have about what makes a meaningful funeral ceremony and how to create one, BEFORE you lose someone you love, the better equipped you will be to deal with things. On both an emotional and practical level.
Because when you lose someone you love, and you have to say goodbye for the very last time, you want that occasion to be as special and unique as they were. You want to picture them through the words that are spoken, feel them through the music that is played, and take comfort in the fact that their life, and what that life meant to you, will be expressed in a true and meaningful way.
But where do you start with such a significant and emotional event? How do you create a final farewell for someone you love?
Don’t worry… I can confidently say this is my area of expertise. Based on my extensive experiences of creating and leading a wide range of funerals, the reactions I’ve seen and heard from people gathered on the day, and the feedback I got from families afterwards, I have all the answers. From what I believe are the essential elements of a good funeral ceremony, to types of funeral and appropriate venues, to writing life stories and reading tributes, choosing music and poems, visual tributes, options for gathering after the ceremony... All the information, advice, tips and inspiration you need is here.
Reassurance and expertise is just a click away!
Making Memories Together
Where Collaborative Workshop meets Creative Get-Together!
I’ve always enjoyed and appreciated arts, crafts and creativity – both at work and in my own life. And my time as a Funeral Celebrant certainly revealed all sorts of ways we can be creative when it comes to sharing life stories, displaying memories, and celebrating loved ones.
I’m not a craft expert or tutor… but I do have ideas for creative projects relating to life stories, keepsakes and personalised ceremonies. As well as stories, experiences and creative inspirations, which I’ve had during my time as a Funeral Celebrant (and Magazine Editor). So if you’re someone who enjoys making things, whatever level of experience – or you’re a ‘professional’ maker/creator who’d like to be involved – then please get in touch. I’m keen to provide the time and space where we can all get together, share creative ideas, work on individual projects reflecting who we are, or celebrating the lives of people we love, and swop stories. All the while experiencing the joys of creativity!
If this sparks interest for you, please click the link below…
Write Your Own ‘Emotional’ Will
It’s the words and wisdom that matter…
So you’ve had a professional, legal will drawn up (or plan to at some point) listing financial inheritances and item bequests. Informing your loved-ones what’s happening to your money, your home, your belongings… But what about passing on something a little more personal, like thoughts, messages, advice and insights for the family and friends you leave behind? They may benefit from money to spend or heirloom furniture to sit on, but what will mean more to them when you’re no longer physically there to share your wisdom and wise cracks?
I can tell you that what really matters to people after someone they love has died, is the things that special person said, or knew, or felt... Knowing what mattered to them and the life-affirming ways their memory can live on in the years to come. So alongside all the legal speak, how about some words of wisdom, love, encouragement, inspiration, humour… That will mean more than all the tea cups and sideboards put together. And if it’s in your own familiar, much-loved language… even better.
Here’s how to do it…
The Insider’s Guide to becoming an Outstanding Funeral Celebrant
COMING SOON!
Are you new to the world of creating and delivering funeral ceremonies? Perhaps you are tentatively thinking about becoming a celebrant and want to know more before you take the plunge? Or are you just curious to know more about the role of Funeral Celebrants and the overwhelmingly positive difference they can make to the bereaved?
This in-depth, refreshingly honest, Insider’s Guide is for every new, aspiring celebrant who has a genuine, heart-felt desire to create meaningful funeral ceremonies that really make a difference. It’s for those who want to go beyond competent, exceeding the expectations of families looking for professional, sensitive support. And it’s been created by an established, experienced celebrant with a reputation for high quality services... me!
With the option of workshops, distance learning and one-to-one training and support available, whatever your experience or level of interest. Please click below to find out more…