accredited humanist funeral celebrant in newcastle upon tyne

hello, I’m Kay

I’m a Funeral Celebrant, trained and accredited by Humanists UK.

I create and lead non‑religious funerals, celebrations of life, memorials, and ash‑scattering ceremonies in Newcastle upon Tyne and wider North East region.

Each one is crafted with warmth, compassion, and care and created exclusively for your loved one.

My aim is simple: to support you through a difficult time and help you shape a ceremony that truly reflects the person you’re honouring.

Alongside my celebrancy work, I also serve as a Trustee and Director of Humanists UK. This keeps me closely connected to the values, standards, and good practice that guide Humanist ceremonies.

what is a humanist funeral?

A Humanist funeral is a non‑religious ceremony that focuses on the person who has died; their life, their relationships, and the memories they leave behind.

It offers a sincere, personal way to say goodbye without hymns, prayers, or religious language.

Instead, the ceremony centres on the stories, values, and moments that made your loved one who they were. It’s shaped around warmth, honesty, and authenticity - a chance to celebrate a life in a way that feels true to them.

Humanist funerals are inclusive and welcoming to everyone, whatever their beliefs.

The aim is to create a thoughtful space where people can come together to remember, reflect, and support one another.

If you’re not familiar with Humanist ceremonies, that’s absolutely fine. I’ll guide you through the options and help you create something that feels right for you and your family.

Contact me to Find out more

how I'll support you

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when things need to happen quickly. My role is to make the process as calm and manageable as possible. Here’s what you can expect when we work together.

Initial Conversation

We begin with a relaxed, no‑obligation chat. You can tell me what you need, ask questions, or simply talk things through. I’ll explain how I work and what the next steps look like. If you are already working with a funeral director, you can let them know you would like me to lead the ceremony.

Families always have the choice of who conducts the funeral, even if a funeral director has their own regular celebrants, so just let them know who you want to conduct the ceremony.

Getting to know your loved one

If you decide to go ahead, we arrange a longer meeting where you can share stories, memories, and the details that made your loved one who they were. This can take place in person, online, or by phone - whatever feels most comfortable for you. I listen carefully to understand the tone you want and the shape the ceremony should take.

Crafting the ceremony

Using what you have shared, I write a completely bespoke ceremony that reflects your loved one’s life and personality. I can suggest readings, music, or contributions from family and friends if you would find that helpful. You will always have the chance to read the script, request changes, and make sure it feels right.

Support on the day

On the day of the funeral I arrive early, work closely with the funeral director, and lead the ceremony with calmness and care. My aim is to hold the space for you and your family so you can focus on remembering and honouring the person you have lost.

A lasting copy

After the ceremony, I send you a final printed or digital copy of the script to keep, if you would like it.

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what I offer

Every ceremony I create is completely bespoke. There is no standard script and nothing is taken off the shelf. I spend time getting to know you and learning about the person you are remembering, so the ceremony feels personal, sincere, and true to them.

Some families prefer something simple and quiet; others want a ceremony filled with stories, music, and contributions from those who loved them. I will guide you through the options, offer ideas if you would find that helpful, and shape everything around the tone you want to set.

My role is to bring clarity, warmth, and steady support. I will write the full ceremony, help with readings and music choices if you need them, and work closely with the funeral director to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Above all, I will help you create a ceremony that reflects a life with honesty, compassion, and care.

ceremony fees

Fees

I aim to keep my fees fair and affordable while giving each family the time, care, and attention their ceremony deserves. A great deal of work goes into every service I create; I spend many hours preparing, meeting with you, writing the full ceremony, and coordinating with your funeral director to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Celebration of Life Ceremony at a Crematorium

£250

This covers a planning and delivery of a non‑religious funeral or celebration of life at a crematorium.

Oher types of Ceremony

Variable

Burials, memorials, ash‑scattering ceremonies, or more involved services vary depending on the complexity of the ceremony, location, and the level of support you would like.

If you are unsure what you need, I am always happy to talk things through and guide you.

Other Fees

45p per mile

I am based in Newcastle upon Tyne and do not charge for travel within a 10‑mile radius.
For locations beyond this, travel is charged at 45p per mile, agreed in advance so there are no surprises

Payment

Fees are settled by the funeral director as part of the overall arrangements. You do not need to pay me directly; they will handle everything on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact me at kay.jones@humanistceremonies.org.uk if you have any other questions

Understanding Humanist Funerals

What is a humanist funeral?

A humanist funeral is a non‑religious ceremony that offers both a dignified farewell and a sincere celebration of a life. It acknowledges the sadness of saying goodbye while honouring the person’s story, values, and legacy.

What happens at a humanist funeral?

A typical ceremony may include music, readings, and a carefully crafted tribute of up to 15 minutes. Contributions from family and friends may be included. There is time for quiet reflection, followed by the committal and closing words.

Where are humanist funerals held?

Most take place at crematoria, cemeteries, or woodland burial sites, though you can choose any venue that feels right.

Do we have to be ‘humanist’ to have a humanist funeral?

Not at all. Most humanist funerals are for people who lived without religion, even if they would never have called themselves a humanist.

Planning the Ceremony

How is the ceremony put together?

I meet with family members to learn about the person who has died and understand the tone you want to set. I then write a completely bespoke script.

Do you have a set script?

No. Every ceremony is written from scratch.

What if we don’t know any readings or poems?

That’s absolutely fine. I can suggest options and I’m happy to read on your behalf.

Personalisation & Religious Content

Can we include hymns?

Possibly. Humanist funerals are non‑religious by design, but if your loved one had a strong connection to a particular hymn, it can be included as part of their story — though not as an act of religious worship.

Can we include the Lord’s Prayer?

Typically not. However, if it is important to you and a friend or family member is happy to read it, we may be able to incorporate it in a way that feels respectful and appropriate.

What if some of the family are religious?

Humanist funerals are inclusive of everyone. There is always a quiet moment for personal reflection, which gives those who wish to pray a space to do so.

Practicalities

How do we choose a celebrant?

You can choose directly or through your funeral director. If you would like me to lead the ceremony, simply tell your FD.

Are Humanists UK celebrants different from other celebrants?

Yes. We are trained, accredited, insured, and quality‑assured, and follow a code of conduct. xxxxxx

How much does a humanist funeral cost?

Humanist funerals are priced similarly to other ceremony providers. My fees are listed in the Fees section and can be confirmed by your FD.

Additional Services

Do you offer memorial services?

Yes, and these can be held at any venue with full flexibility.

Can you help me plan my own funeral?Yes. I can guide you through your choices and help record your wishes.

Forster Jones Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (14076236)

Our registered address is in Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3BU

kay@forsterjonesconsulting.com

Trustee & Director, Humanists UK | Chair, Eating Distress North East

Serving Newcastle upon Tyne, the wider North East, and national clients

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accredited humanist funeral celebrant in newcastle upon tyne

hello, I’m Kay

what I offer

what is a humanist funeral?

about humanist funerals

a helpful guide

how I'll support you

Initial Conversation

Getting to know your loved one

Crafting the ceremony

Support on the day

A lasting copy

who are Humanists UK?

what I offer

ceremony fees

Fees

Celebration of Life Ceremony at a Crematorium

Oher types of Ceremony

Other Fees

Payment

Frequently Asked Questions

if you need support, I'm here to help

accredited humanist funeral celebrant in newcastle upon tyne

hello, I’m Kay

what I offer

what is a humanist funeral?

about humanist funerals

a helpful guide

how I'll support you

Initial Conversation

Getting to know your loved one

Crafting the ceremony

Support on the day

A lasting copy

who are Humanists UK?

what I offer

ceremony fees

Fees

Celebration of Life Ceremony at a Crematorium

Oher types of Ceremony

Other Fees

Payment

Frequently Asked Questions

if you need support, I'm here to help

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