26 September 2024

How we say our final goodbyes is evolving. Today, there are more options available than ever before, reflecting the diverse needs and beliefs of our communities. We want to create personalised and meaningful farewells, that respect the wishes and the values of our loved ones. But we’re still not good at having conversations about our […]

16 September 2024

In the summer, with longer days, and balmy evenings, we tend to gravitate toward greener spaces – enjoying picnics with friends and family, or feeling the sea and sand between our toes. Taking advantage of the weather, with day trips or holidays we appreciate the restorative power of nature – being outdoors – but we’re […]

16 July 2024

Take a deep breath. We know it’s been an overwhelming few weeks and months even, with much of the media covering the tragic and untimely deaths of several celebrities, most recently of Dr. Michael Mosley. Shortly before that news, rugby fans and the MND community were left saddened at the passing of Leeds Rhino and […]

11 May 2021

Taking place between 10-16 May, Dying Matters returns this week to encourage open and honest conversations around death, dying and bereavement. The theme for 2021 is #InAGoodPlace to die. After a year unlike any other, this may seem like an unusual choice. Many families were left utterly bereft with the loss felt and being in […]

2 May 2019

Later this month the Coles Funeral Directors team is taking on the challenging task of getting the people of Cardiff talking about death as part of the ‘Are We Ready?’ Dying Matters campaign. On Friday 17th May 2019 (9:30-12:30), Coles Funeral Directors is holding a Community Coffee Morning to mark the opening of a new Bereavement Hub at […]

30 April 2019

Over the last few weeks we’ve been talking about the ‘D-word’ and how to bring it up in conversation. Today I wanted to signpost some more useful resources and invite you to talk to us about what happens when you die. Even if your family or friends aren’t quite ready to talk about death – […]

24 April 2019

Following on from my last blog on the best way to start talking about death with your loved ones (which in short, is to think about and share your own ‘good death’ story), today I’ve put together some questions that might help nurture the conversation. Before we begin, it’s really important that if you’re going […]

9 April 2019

Have you seen the TV ad about our nation’s inability to talk about the ‘M-word’? Partnering with Relate, Lloyds Bank is currently leading the way in de-stigmatising conversations about money, and encouraging everyone to find the words to push through the awkwardness and have ‘difficult’ conversations with loved ones. The ‘D-word’ (dying) is just as […]

29 August 2018

Written by Head of Communications, Francesca Coles: This Bank Holiday, the streets of Cardiff were alive with Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend! The weather was kind and the sun shone while colourful floats flooded the city centre and a dragon made up of balloons lead the carnival spirit. It was a wonderful sight to see so many […]

14 May 2018

Written by Director Gareth Coles: Today marks the start of Dying Matters Awareness Week – a week dedicated to encouraging and helping people to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life. As you might expect, this is a mission that is very close to my […]

30 October 2017

Written by Director, Gareth Coles: In my last couple of blogs, I’ve concentrated on innovative new products in the death care industry, but this week I’d like to focus on the wealth of ground-breaking services available to people, right here in Cardiff. Some services are designed to help you plan and finance the end of […]