Down to Earth's impact
Down to Earth works to reduce debt affecting people on the lowest incomes as a result of paying for funerals. Its impact is threefold: immediate, practical mentoring for bereaved people to plan affordable funerals; preventative work with the wider community around planning ahead financially for funerals; and a longer-term strategic campaign to influence funeral costs and raise awareness of funeral debt.
"When my mum was dying I didn't have a clue what to do. She had a payment plan towards funeral expenses but there was £2,000 we had to pay on top. All the family got together and it was a nightmare. We got the funeral arranged, but it pulled people apart." Susy
"[Down to Earth] were so supportive. I am so glad they were there - I don't know what I would have done without them." Alan
The average price of a basic London funeral is £2,850 for a cremation or £4,600 for a burial.
The average Social Fund funeral payment in 2009-10 was £1,208. | 2010/11 in numbers 10 funeral mentors trained 62 people supported pre- and post- funeral |
Kwame's story Kwame's mother Althea had wanted to leave her body to medical science, but this was no longer possible due to her illness, so Kwame was faced with arranging a basic, meaningful funeral on a small budget. | Patrick's story Patrick was referred to us by the local hospice as his brother Sean had passed away. Patrick himself was elderly and frail and being treated for prostate cancer. |
