I decided to train as a funeral celebrant following many years of volunteering for Cruse Bereavement Support Scotland, a charity that supports people who are grieving. Talking with hundreds of people who have lost a loved one over the years I have found that we don’t handle grief and loss very well in the UK.

One immediate way we could improve is by allowing those who grieve to do so in their own way, and to support them to remember their loved one for the whole person that they were, not just the “acceptable” bits. Remembering the silly things they did, or the way they were grumpy, and the things that made them laugh till they cried. When we are sad about the death of someone we were close to, all these things help us remember them well.

Lots of people have told me that the funeral didn’t quite capture the whole of who their person was, so my ambition is to always represent the fullest picture of whoever’s eulogy I am asked to deliver.

Other than being a funeral celebrant, I work for a mental health charity managing projects that aim to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all of us in UK society. This mostly involves training workers to connect with the people they look after in a more warm and welcoming manner, to get the best out of any interaction they are having.

I have done this kind of work for many years in different settings, but always with the aim of helping individuals, families and communities have a better life.

I have trained teachers, social workers, managers and NHS workers to communicate more genuinely and openly whilst remaining friendly and professional. I have coached individuals to do better in their jobs and businesses, and I have worked supporting people struggling with addictions, and people in prison, to deal with their issues.

I’ve connected with many people from all walks of life over the last 40 years of work and continue to delight in hearing the stories of what makes individuals special to others around them. People are amazing. Their stories deserve to be told well.

Outside of work I have a wife and children, and one young granddaughter. I love books and music and dancing, and motorcycles and getting beaten at tennis by my son. As well as cooking and all sorts of things really. There is so much to living isn’t there.

Tim’s approach to building relationships is trauma informed, enveloped in kindness, compassion and empathy. He has successfully delivered mental health enhancing initiatives and projects which align with our organisational focus on prevention. The people he supports speak highly of him, and really value his listening skills and his coaching-based communication style.

Manager – Mental Health charity

I am delighted that Tim has chosen to pursue the role of celebrant, as I feel he will be able to be a strong and caring support for people who are grieving, as well as an eloquent voice for their loved ones who can no longer speak for themselves.

Mentor

Tim’s attentive and skilful listening made me feel the most supported, seen and heard that I can remember.

Cruse helpline caller

Working with Tim was a very rewarding experience – I found him to be approachable and encouraging. By the end of the process I felt very positive – I was armed with a sense of perspective and useful coping strategies that could be applied to many situations.

Coaching client