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Programme course content

This programme was written and is taught by Jane Morrell, Simon Smith and Basira Ward, funeral directors and celebrants. Jane and Simon have their own company in Totnes, and authors of We Need To Talk About The Funeral. Basira is a funeral director and celebrant in Frome.

The Funeral Celebrant’ Diploma programme covers all aspects of being a funeral celebrant and allows the participants to delve deeply into the issues around death, funerals and our own feelings around mortality. But don’t worry, there’s a lightness of touch too.

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The Diploma course recognises the wonderful diversity of spiritual beliefs, recognising that most people are unaffiliated to a religion but still believe in something. We see beauty, of words, music and the setting, to be a vital element of a funeral – an expression of love and something transcendent and transformative.

The programme begins with three days together, followed by a gap of three months in which some of the portfolio of assignments is completed, before returning for the final two days. You then have a further 3 months to complete assignments. The total course time is around 250 hours spread over this 6 month period. We believe taking this extra time is vital to building a depth of confidence and assurance. We provide you with a 130 page manual, feedback on assignments and supervision for your first five funerals. On successful completion of the course and the assignments you receive the Green Fuse Funeral Celebrant’s Diploma accreditation certificate and the accreditation body’s (APT) certification. Each course is for a maximum of 8 participants.

The course covers all the information you need to know and includes visiting funeral venues, both traditional and less conventional. We also have an exciting team to bring you vital skills practice, including one-to-one work on reading and presentation skills with actor Pete Joscelyne, voice modes and leading singing with musician and singer Basira Ward.

The training programme is thorough, practical, well-structured and inspiring.

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  1. History and modern context of funerals
    A brief history of funerals
    The impact of current social and cultural trends on funerals
    Re-visioning funeral ceremonies
    What and who is a funeral for?
  2. Creating Ritual Theatre
    What makes a good funeral?
    The importance of ritual space
    The ceremony as a means of transition
    How to create ritual
    Appreciating the importance of the place
    The roles of beauty and movement
    Orchestrating all the elements of the funeral.
  3. Writing ceremonial scripts
    How to structure a funeral ceremony
    Preparing opening and closing words
    How to write a good eulogy or life story
    Reflecting the character and beliefs of the person who has died
    Choosing words and poetry
    Using poetic, elevated language and idiom
    Words for the committal to reflect individual beliefs
    Different types of funeral ceremonies for sudden, early and complicated deaths
  4. Listening and communication – working with families
    Working with bereaved people
    Active listening skills and practice
    Keeping with the agenda of the family
    Working with families in conflict
    Semi-structured interviewing
    Devising a ceremony collaboratively with the family
  5. Personal presentation skills
    Managing yourself and your emotions
    Creating a safe emotional space
    Developing personal presence and appropriate authority
    Speaking in public
    Leading singing (even if you ‘don’t’ sing!)
    Using your voice for different modes of expression
    Being a calm and reassuring presence
  6. Business and marketing
    The business of being a funeral celebrant
    Using technology
    Knowing your USPs and your local market
    Building your local resources
    Liaising with other funeral professionals
    How to operate as an independent funeral celebrant, including brochures, marketing and charging.
    Joining the green fuse guild and celebrants’ forum.

You too can earn your diploma with Green Fuse


"What makes our ceremonies different? The care, thought and depth of feeling poured into each funeral, to show love and give thanks before saying goodbye." Sue Goodrum


Owl photograph: Craig Jones

Funeral celebrant training programme

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Green Fusers Jane, Claire & Pauline all nominated for Good Funeral Awards.

Green Fusers Jane, Claire & Pauline all nominated for Good Funeral Awards.

Download Funeral Celebrant's Diploma Brochure

"What I love about this job is that we can follow our hearts and give over and above what is expected . . . Green Fuse changed my life." Gil Barnett

"What can I say!? Thank you so much Jane and Simon. You have done a great job. My first funeral as a celebrant, and even the crematorium phoned to say thanks and what a good job it was."


 

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