New digital platform gives support and advice to families after a funeral
'The Next Steps' is being offered through participating funeral directors nationwide Photo: Lou Metzger
A new digital platform has been set up to offer support and advice to families on the practical things that need to be taken care of after a funeral. ‘The Next Steps’ has been set up by funeral director support service My Farewell Wishes and is the first of its kind in Ireland.
The technology, which is free for families, is available on mobile, email and WhatsApp and provides step-by-step guidance on everything from accessing death certificates and managing financial matters to registering a death and dealing with pensions, insurance and social welfare payments.
‘The Next Steps’ has been adopted by a growing number of funeral directors around the country with the aim of having it available from 100 funeral directors by the end of this year.
Key features of the platform include:
A built-in digital guide that answers practical questions families may have after a funeral, helping them navigate unfamiliar processes with ease and reassurance.
Clear, short explainer videos to simplify complex topics and reduce overwhelm.
A dedicated section to help the bereaved understand their grief, with signposts to free national bereavement support services and trusted resources for managing loss.
For those who feel they may benefit from more personalised help, the platform also includes access to GriefConnect.ie – a new national directory of counsellors who provide specialist grief services.
Families receive a unique link after the funeral, allowing them to engage with the platform at their own pace from home.
Colm Kieran, Co-Founder of My Farewell Wishes, said: “The service is proving to be a powerful value-add for funeral directors seeking to maintain relationships with families post-funeral while addressing common issues around payment follow-up, emotional support, and aftercare communication. Families need reassurance and structure in the days and weeks after a funeral, and funeral directors need a professional, branded way to continue supporting them during that time. The Next Steps give both sides what they need.”
