Advice, guides & articles

Staff at A. Wass Funeral Directors have a wealth of experience and can help families plan a funeral with empathy and compassion Following a death, a great deal of organising and planning has to take place, and A. Wass Funeral Directors is there to be of service to families at such a sad and difficult time. As in previous years, hundreds of families are likely to choose A. Wass in the coming year to take care of their loved one and make arrangements for their funeral. The company gives help, guidance and advice to navigate what can be a very confusing time between a death and a funeral. From the moment a first call is received, the company is on hand to answer questions, based on its many years of experience.

Estate planning firm ILAWS shares some available options to help protect your financial assets in the future As we get older, we begin to realise that we can’t do things as easily and independently as we once did, and have to rely more on others for help. And with time, you may also find that you need round-the-clock care - the kind you can only properly receive in a care home surrounded by dedicated staff. Even more so as debilitating conditions like Parkinson’s become increasingly prevalent, with 153,000 people already living with Parkinson's in the UK. However, if you do find yourself moving to a care home in later life, there’s an important question as to how to protect your financial assets from being lost to cover any fees. If you have capital assets worth £29,750 or more, you are required to meet your own care costs in full, which currently average over £50,000 per year. This means that if you go into care, and your pension and savings do not sufficiently cover the cost of fees, the local authority could take your home. In England, there are plans now in place to cap the amount taken from an individual at £86,000, but there is currently no such cap in Scotland. And whilst it is illegal to deliberately stop the local authority from taking money to pay for care home fees, there are legitimate options available to help protect yourself and your assets, including setting up a trust.

As I start to type this article, on the first day of spring 2024, I realise that I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about the change of a season before. Winter feels like it has been a real slog this time around. I normally embrace the chance to start wearing jumpers and woolly hats, and having a cosy couple of months indoors spent in front of the TV or reading books wrapped up in a warm blanket. This year has been different though, and winter has felt like a trap; holding me hostage as I wait for the Sun to come and rescue me.

As the frost of winter gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, nature undergoes a miraculous transformation, awakening a sense of renewal and vitality. Beyond its vibrant colours and fragrant blooms, spring holds a profound impact on our mental well-being. Here are some of the ways the spring season can improve our mental health: Renewal Spring is often seen as the season of renewal and rebirth; trees and flowers begin to bloom again after a winter lying dormant, the days grow longer and the weather warmer. Spring can therefore be seen to signify a time for change and new beginnings, renewal and hope. Sunshine Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, helping you to feel calm and focused. Try to get out as much as you can to reap the benefits of the spring sunshine; just a walk around the block every day can make a big difference. Nature Spending time outdoors in nature can have a huge impact on our mental health. Head to nearby woodland or parks on walks, hikes, or to have a picnic in the sunshine. Gardening Gardening has numerous benefits to our mental well-being, from reducing stress and anxiety to fostering a sense of accomplishment. Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your garden, whether you’re starting from scratch or tidying up after the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder Though some people do experience SAD throughout the summer months, most people are affected throughout autumn and winter. Spring’s arrival can counteract the symptoms of SAD, providing a natural antidote to the winter blues. Whether through a leisurely walk in a blossoming garden or the simple act of basking in the warmth of the sun, spring offers a myriad of opportunities for rejuvenation and mental clarity. By recognising and harnessing the therapeutic benefits of this season, we can embark on a journey towards improved mental health and well-being. Thank you for reading. Check out our previous blogs here. Don't forget to Follow funeral-notices.co.uk on social media to see when new articles are published: Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

I recently finished a book series in which the mental capacity of one of the side characters slowly declined throughout. His story was truly heartbreaking, but in the end he was able to make his own choice about how he wanted to move forward, with the help of those closest to him. It made me think about the possibility of a future in which I myself am unable to make a fully informed decision, and how scary that could be. Then, as if by magic, an email landed in my inbox, talking about Lasting Power of Attorney.

In a world that is becoming increasingly fast paced, children’s mental health is more important than ever. The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their emotional well-being, shaping their ability to navigate challenges, build relationships, and thrive in various aspects of life. Here we will shed light on the critical aspects of children’s mental health, offering insights, tips, and resources for parents, caregivers and educators. Understanding Children’s Mental Health Like adults, children experience a wide range of emotions, and don’t always know how to deal with them. These can range from joy and excitement to frustration and sadness, and are a natural part of growing up. Parents and caregivers must realise that mental health encompasses a child’s overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being, not just mental health disorders. Early Signs and Red Flags It is important to identify any mental health concerns as soon as they arise. Look out for changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, appetite, and academic performance. Frequent complaints of physical ailments or sickness, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities could also indicate underlying issues. Creating a Supportive Environment Aim to foster a positive and nurturing environment at home and in school. Encourage open communication, active listening, and validation of a child’s feelings. Establishing a sense of security and trust is fundamental to a child’s mental well-being. Promoting Healthy Habits Our mental well-being is closely connected to our physical health; tending to our physical bodies can significantly enhance our mental state. Ensuring that children engage in regular physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and get sufficient sleep can help immensely with their mental health.

It's important to check whether you're fully vaccinated against measles Cases of measles are currently on the rise in Leicester, so it's vital you do everything you can to keep yourself and your loved ones protected. Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) is urging people to check their vaccination status and make sure they're up-to-date with both their doses. Measles can have serious complications and, in some cases, can be fatal. Below is some guidance on how to check if you've been fully vaccinated, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you suspect you or your child has measles. There is also a porcine-free version of the vaccine available locally.

March 15th 2024 marks World Sleep Day, so what better time to talk about the benefits of a good night’s sleep? In today’s fast moving world, getting enough sleep tends to be low on a lot of people’s priorities. World Sleep Day aims to promote sleep health around the world and encourage people to get enough sleep. The 2024 theme is Sleep Equity for Global Health, as there are marked differences in the amount of sleep populations get across the world.

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." - Gloria Steinem. As we approach Friday, the 8th of March, a date dedicated to celebrating the immense strength and resilience of women across the globe, we at Funeral Notices pause to reflect. International Women's Day is a day that honours the achievements of women, both past and present, and advocates for gender equality. We often find ourselves discussing loss, grief, and remembrance, so it feels especially poignant to take a moment to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the remarkable women who have touched our lives. The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion, according to their website: 'When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.' For us here at Funeral Notices, Inspire Inclusion is a call to action to celebrate the stories of women featured on our website, within our team and our audience. Many of the notices we post are tributes to incredible women who lived extraordinary lives. Mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, friends - each one unique, each one leaving a lasting impact on those around them. On this day, we remember them with love and admiration. We also acknowledge the women who are dealing with loss. The strength they exhibit in times of sorrow is truly awe-inspiring. Their courage is a testament to the power and resilience inherent in womanhood. International Women's Day is not just about recognising the struggles women face but also celebrating their victories - big or small. Every woman who has stood up for her rights, every woman who has broken barriers in her field, every woman who has provided comfort in times of grief - they all deserve to be celebrated. Let us use this day to express our gratitude towards these incredible women. Let's honour their memory by continuing their legacy of strength and resilience. As we mark International Women's Day this year, let us remember that every step taken towards gender equality, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Let's strive for a balanced world where every individual is valued and remembered for their unique contributions. We are honoured to be part of your journey in remembering and celebrating the lives of your loved ones. As we commemorate International Women's Day, we stand with you in celebrating the extraordinary women who have left indelible marks on our lives. In conclusion, we would like to leave you with a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that encapsulates the essence of this day: "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Here's to strong women. May we inspire them, and honour them. And most importantly, may we remember them. Happy International Women's Day from all of us at funeral-notices.co.uk. You can find out more about International Women's Day, including how to get involved, here. Check out our previous blogs here. Don't forget to Follow funeral-notices.co.uk on social media to see when new articles are published: Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

March marks the return of Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, the charity’s biggest annual fundraising campaign. Marie Curie was founded in 1948, and in the last 75 years have supported millions of people who have been affected by terminal illness. 1 in 4 people do not get the end of life care that they need. Marie Curie aims to bring end of life care and support to everyone who needs it. Superdrug are the headline partner for the Great Daffodil Appeal 2024, and will be selling pins and accepting donations throughout the month.