Plan to futureproof Sheffield’s bereavement services to be developed

Sheffield’s burial provision is set to be futureproofed in new plans.

Sheffield City Council is developing a new strategy that aims to ensure there is a high-quality bereavement service available to the people of Sheffield for years to come.

Everyone will be affected by the loss of a loved one at some point in their lives and the Council are aiming to ensure there is a dignified, consistent, inclusive and accessible offering for all of Sheffield’s communities.

Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:

“We want develop a strategy that will suit our city’s needs for the next 25 years and beyond.

“Our goal is to devise an ambitious and far-reaching plan that will support our growing city long after we’re gone.

“Whilst it’s not imminent, we know that our existing burial space will eventually get to capacity at our existing cemeteries.

“We want to act now to find new land on which to build more modern, greener cemeteries and improve the facilities and provisions on our current sites. We also want to provide a robust and inclusive service that caters for everyone in Sheffield.”

To achieve this, they have today (15^th January 2024) launched an extensive citywide consultation process, with residents and local community groups being asked to have their say on services such as burial, cremation and cemeteries as green spaces.

Sheffield City Council are responsible for managing 16 cemeteries, as well as two crematoria and garden of remembrance across the city.

Approximately 3000 cremations and 800 burials take place annually across these sites, with further, specific services such as the burial of cremated remains, purchasing and displaying of memorials and storage of remains also being offered.

Once developed, the new strategy hopes to:

• Futureproof burial space
• Cater for the future needs of a diverse and growing population
• Provide a clear plan for the role of cemeteries as green spaces across the city
• Create a clear direction for funding to enable service growth and improvement
• Support the wellbeing of individuals and communities by providing communal spaces for grief, reflection, learning and connection
• Improve existing buildings and infrastructure to boost quality of service
• Make bereavement services greener, supporting the climate emergency by reducing their carbon footprint.

Sheffield City Council will now consult widely with Sheffield’s residents and communities and use the information to formulate a bereavement strategy for the city, which sets out our aims and aspirations for the next 25+ years.

Take part in the bereavement strategy consultation here.