FUNERAL directors have spoken of how their teams have coped with an "unprecedented" demand and a "steep learning curve" as they adapt to new ways of working.

Many industries across Wales have been hit in various ways and have had to adapt due to the effects of covid-19.

The Leader spoke with companies across Wrexham and Flintshire to find out how the funeral industry has changed and may continue to adapt going forwards.

Phil Roberts, of Roberts Bros. Funeral Directors in Wrexham, said: "The past couple of months have certainly seen changes in the way we all have to go about our lives and assisting with funeral ceremonies has been no different.

"[We're] having to explain to families that communication can no longer be shared sat in their front room over a cup of tea planning the finest details face-to-face, but which now must be exchanged through modern methods - telephone, email, skype or at very best from a socially distanced safe space outside someone’s home.

"[We're also] having to explain that the families chosen minister is not available as they’re shielding for their own safety, or that families have decisions to make about who they choose to invite to join them in person at the ceremony.

The Leader:

Roberts Bros funeral directors, Wrexham

"By no means have the limitations meant that funerals have become less personal; in many cases quite the opposite.

"We’ve had a great deal of feedback from families pointing out how their loved one would have actually much preferred a largely quieter ceremony or having the attendance of just their immediate family gave them an increased sense of privacy where they could actually feel more relaxed.

"Families have found new ways of including personal tributes, we’ve included tributes received from all over the world and now daily live-stream funerals to countries far and wide to allow people to share in that time of remembrance."

Describing the wider impact of the pandemic on workers, he continued: "Whilst there has been no significant increase of funeral numbers in our opinion (many may think that to be the case due to the shortening of funeral timescales due to fewer logistical factors having to be worked around) it has meant big changes in the many teams who work in close proximity to facilitate funerals for families.

"Our team, but also many others – the registration departments, coroners team, doctors surgeries, bereavement support in hospitals, care support, florists, officiants, gravediggers, crematorium staff and many more - have all had to adapt to new ways of undertaking our roles.

"It's been a steep learning curve for us all whilst trying to ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing but in view each and everyone has risen to this challenge to help families as best we possibly can.

"There is no doubt that fear and trepidation has run through us all on times, both from a safety point of view at this time of the unknown and from having to learn new techniques, skills and technologies, but I think we’ve all shown our adaptability and families have shown a great deal of understanding and appreciation of how trying this time is for everyone.

"On a personal note the single biggest thing I struggle with is bearing witness to emotion over-powering individuals and leading to them exchanging the physical expressions of love and sympathy we have all done for many years but which at this time we’re asked not to."

Mr Roberts said he has no doubt that the changes enforced by the current pandemic will leave "a lasting impression on funeral ceremonies."

Describing the situation across both Wrexham and Flintshire, a Co-op Funeralcare spokesman explained: "Over recent weeks, Co-op Funeralcare has supported an unprecedented number of families and individuals during an extremely difficult time.

"Several weeks ago, we had to make some tough but responsible decisions to limit the spread of Coronavirus and to protect our clients and colleagues.

"Despite the restrictions in place, our professional teams have continued to support bereaved families in creating inspirational and unique tributes for their loved ones.

"We are incredibly proud of how understanding and supportive communities have been throughout this devastating period.”

Jamieson Hodgson, business development director at Memoria Ltd, spoke of how coronavirus has affected services at Flintshire Crematorium.

He explained: "There has been an increased demand for our services since early April when the pandemic started to accelerate across the country.

"In order to keep all bereaved families safe when visiting our site, we have limited attendance to 10 attendees (which have mainly been made up of immediate family). This was in line with government guidance.

"Since lockdown measures have been adjusted (May 13), we have increased this restriction to 20 attendees.

"Bereaved families across the area have been very respectful of these restrictions as first and foremost, they are in place to protect them.

"Fundamentally, we are all committed to stopping the spread of this unpredictable virus that has caused so much heartache and disruption to all of our lives.

"To further assist this, our chapels have strict social distancing measures keeping all mourners (unless they are from the same household) at least 2 metres apart.

"We also ensure that all public areas are deep cleaned before and after each and every service.

"Owing to the nature of COVID-19, it is likely that we will be forced to have some element of social distancing at all of our facilities for the foreseeable future but if this protects everyone and restricts the spread of the virus, there really is no alternative. "We will continue to be as committed as possible to the bereaved families that need to use our services at this difficult time."