Eastbourne funeral director offers art classes to bereaved who lost loved ones during the pandemic

Funeral Arranger Michelle Kinneavy based at Payne & Sons Funeral Directors in Hampden Park and Civil Celebrant Danielle Steele have hosted three classes at the funeral home to bring together those who have lost loved ones and experienced loneliness during lockdown restrictions.

Michelle said: “Painting and drawing brings a therapeutic sense of calmness that can benefit everyone during these difficult times, especially the bereaved.

“People who had previously been on their own after losing loved ones have been sharing stories, exchanging numbers and offering to help each other while learning to make beautiful art together.”

Michelle looked for ways to support the community during lockdown and found many elderly people felt isolated since the death of their loved ones due to a lack of IT knowledge.

She began hosting socially distanced training sessions on how to make video calls and use multimedia at Payne & Sons, however she discovered a common feeling among attendees.

Michelle said: “The training was well received but they said it’s not the same as having someone to talk to in person.

“It’s easy to forget they come from a generation where getting involved with your community was everything. They couldn’t just meet up with anyone at any time.”

Danielle had lost her son and established the charity Tristan’s Pawprints, which provides financial assistance for wildlife rescue in East Sussex, in his memory.

Michelle said: “I am a qualified civil celebrant so spoke at length with Danielle. I realised she had a lot of empathy and would be able to connect with the people I’ve been trying to help and bring them together through art.”

Michelle and Danielle have so far run three 45-minute art classes and are planning to arrange more in the future in line with government social distancing guidelines.

For more information visit www.funeraldirectorseastbourne.com, part of the Funeral Partners family, with branches in Eastbourne and Hampden Park.