Training the future of funeral care with Kirsty Simmonds

Training the future of funeral care with Kirsty Simmonds

In this episode of Before You Go, we speak with Kirsty Simmonds, National Sector Lead for Connect2FuneralServices, about the vital role training and apprenticeships play in shaping the future of funeral care. Kirsty shares her journey into the bereavement sector, discusses the misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships, and explains how professional development is helping funeral businesses build confident, compassionate teams. We also explore the growing demand for personalised funerals, the importance of supporting professionals who encounter grief every day, and why it's time to challenge the taboos that still surround death and bereavement. A thoughtful conversation about people, purpose, and preparing the next generation of funeral professionals. Before You Go Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/] Westerleigh Group website [https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/]

The cost of waiting: Why wills & power of attorney matter with Michelle Seddon

In this episode of Before You Go, we’re joined by Michelle Seddon, a Partner in the Private Capital team at Clarke Willmott, specialising in wills, probate, estate administration and lifetime planning. With more than 15 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle shares why so many people still delay planning for death, the growing complexity of modern family estates, and how recent changes to inheritance tax could impact families across the UK. The conversation also explores the emotional side of bereavement law, Michelle’s work supporting Death in Service benefit schemes, and the real-life stories that show why having a will in place matters more than many people realise. Compassionate, insightful and positively challenging, this episode looks at how planning ahead can protect the people we love most. Before You Go Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/] Westerleigh Group website [https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/]

Rethinking Death, Dying, and Community Care with Dr Emma Clare

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Dr Emma Clare – Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK. Emma shares her unique journey into end-of-life care, from working as a domiciliary carer to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in death literacy and community-led support. With honesty and compassion, she explores what it truly means to support someone at the end of life – and why these conversations matter more than ever. Before You Go Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/] Westerleigh Group website [https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/]

Ginger Golf on turning loss into a world record challenge

Known by many as Ginger Golf, Josh Simpson speaks to Matthew Brook in this episode of the Before You Go podcast about finding purpose in pain and grief after the loss of a loved one. After the death of his mother, and wanting to honour her memory, Josh channelled his grief into a world record-breaking golf challenge - playing over 580 courses in a single year - while also raising money for charity. He emphasises that grief can be a catalyst for positive change, noting that everyone experiences it differently and that those individual journeys should be respected. He also explores funeral planning and stresses the importance of normalising conversations around death. Before You Go Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/] Westerleigh Group website [https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/]

Father Norman on navigating Christmas after loss

Christmas is often seen as a joyful season, but for many, it can bring sadness, memories, and the weight of loss. In this episode, we speak with Father Norman, a retired Anglican priest who has supported countless people through grief. He shares gentle advice on coping during the festive period, reminding us that we never need permission to grieve, even on Christmas Day.  We explore ways to include the memory of loved ones in Christmas traditions, how to handle the pressure to “be cheerful,” and how friends and family can provide meaningful support without forcing feelings or comparisons. Fr. Norman also reflects on the powerful message that there is no “right way” or timeline for grief, and that the real Christmas story holds both struggle and hope. Before You Go Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/] Westerleigh Group website [https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/]