Working with our Local Community
Death is a subject that will affect all of us at some point but which is not often discussed.
Our national lack of openness has affected the quality and range of support and services available to people who are dying and also to their families. It has impacted our ability to die where or how we would wish and it also means that we do not make ‘good consumers’ when the time comes to arrange a funeral.
We devote a large part of our time within our local community to raise awareness for end of life choices and to encourage discussion. This might be through organising Death Cafes or participating in events organised by groups such as the Dying Matters coalition, as a part of the local collective BrumYODO, or by running a stall at Kings Heath Street festival.
We do this because we believe that if people talk and plan in advance about dying, death and bereavement it will help to resolve any number of issues that could arise when the time comes.
These could range from alleviating expectations and family arguments about what the proper funeral should be, to keeping the family out of debt, to feeling proud in the knowledge that your loved one has had the death they wanted.
Events
You can find out more about the events we’ve held or will be involved in on our News page.
Death Cafes
We regularly run Death Cafes so please do let us know if you would like to be added to the email list. We can then notify you of the next dates: Get added to mailing list
Discussion blogs
We also publish blog posts on this website covering a range of topics to help inform and invite discussion.
Reviews on Google
Steve Baker
15:20 24 Oct 23
Being independent was a deciding factor the other was meeting Fran who immediately put me... at ease at what was a distressing time. If i could i would give more than five stars and a huge thank you from me and my daughter.read more
Susan Jacobson
07:44 03 Oct 23
Not sure where I start to express how ‘ A Natural Undertaking ‘ helped me through the... most difficult time. They put their arms around me, physically and emotionally. Helped me beyond any expectations I may have had from a funeral director. Nothing was too much trouble, even helped resolve my IT issues.The Celebration of Life for my husband, Simon, was as perfect as it could have been. That was down to A Natural Undertaking. They took care of my husband, and they took care of me too.My thanks to Fran, Kerri, Carrie and the team.read more
Amanda Watkins-Gmail
10:51 18 Aug 23
My mom and I organised my Dad's cremation with Suzy and the team at A Natural... Undertaking. They were professionalism embodied, but more importantly at such a sad time, they were understanding, respectful and above all kind. They listened to what we asked for and didn't in anyway push or question our requests. They made everything very clear and easy and our family are grateful for their help and support.read more
Nicola Jones
19:33 15 Aug 23
Would recommend this funeral director. Nothing was too much trouble. They were very... professional and they kept me informed throughout. Their attention to detail was outstanding. Any changes were carried out as requested. The celebrant they recommended could not have been better. They were very caring and my sister had a beautiful send off that she deserved. I wish to express my thanks to all staff at a Natural Undertaking especially Suzy.read more
Becky Greenhill
19:31 14 Aug 23
When mum passed away at home, it was like handing her to a loving friend. I cannot praise... the services provided by a Natural Undertaking enough - caring, compassionate and human. Mum's funeral was exactly as she had planned - a wonderful celebration of her life. Ladies please keep doing what you do, you make such a difference.read more
Nicky wilson
21:12 13 Jul 23
Fran & her beautiful team , were incredible, they turned the most heartbreaking episode... into a heartwarming journey, that none of us could ever have imagined, Fran gently drew our wishes and requests out of us, Thank God she did ! We were so broken ,however Fran & her team managed to created the most powerful memories for us ! Bless you ( angels) thank youread more
Chris Maciel
17:02 07 Jul 23
Fran and Suzy were angels born to arrange funerals. We needed an undertaker close to our... home in Kings Heath. We found them on the internet. From the moment we met them, they made us feel we had made the right choice. Both beautiful women liaised with my son and we all felt the VIP treatment shown and given to us. They treated my husband of 53 years as if he was still alive calling him Edmund instead of deceased. The whole funeral was arranged very efficiently and all the people attending said how lovely it was. I can never ever thank the ladies enough. If ever you need an excellent funeral home please use them. They take a burden of your shoulders with their excellent execution in everything that is needed. God bless them.Chris Maciel (wife)read more
Roxsamme Wilson
07:59 26 Jun 23
I cannot praise Fran at A Natural Undertaking enough.I lost my partner & we have a 3... month old baby together.Fran knew I wanted his funeral to be very special and different. I had so many questions and requests and she held my hand every step of the way, nothing was too much. She made me feel like part of her family & I will be forever grateful that she helped me through the hardest experience of my life and made such a special send off for my man.She brought so many ideas to the table, it didn’t feel feel like a funeral, it felt like a magical send off & she lead over 200 motorbikes to the crematorium.Thank you so much Fran & the team, if I could give more than 5 stars, I’d give you 1000read more
Leslie Hughes
23:19 18 Jun 23
I really can’t give the ladies at A Natural Undertaking a high enough review, Fran and... the team were absolutely amazing. Nothing was too much trouble in the care of my son Fraser ..from multiple viewings from many members of family and friends to managing an escort of 200 motorcycles to the crematorium. Everything we needed as a family, support, a hug, advice was always there and the surroundings were perfect to make you feel comfortable. Ladies you are all angels ..my son would have appreciated all your attention..thanking you all so very very much .. Leslie ( mom) 🖤xread more
Simon Howarth
17:01 12 Mar 23
Thank goodness for A Natural Undertaking! Carrie and her team were fantastic throughout,... providing my late mom and our family with the sensitive care and consideration required at a difficult time. The whole experience was 1st class, from recommendation of a celebrant to suit the occasion, the florist to provide the perfect flowers through to the order of service, ceremony and wake in celebration of my mom’s life. Thank you so so much. Simon, Richard, Criddy, Jude, Sam, Lulu, Abel, Abi, family and friends.read more
Chris W
00:33 29 Jan 23
I can't thank A Natural Undertaking enough for the incredible job they did with my dad's... funeral. They made everything so easy and stress-free for us during such a difficult time. From their compassionate and understanding staff, to the personal touches that were made to our ceremony, it was truly a meaningful experience that we will never forget. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help planning a funeral.read more
Nigel Lacey
10:47 09 Jan 23
I am so very pleased that we found and chose A Natural Undertaking to arrange mum's... funeral service. They were professional, compassionate, supportive and diplomatic throughout and gave good advice. Suzy looked after mum from start to finish and obviously genuinely cares about the service offered. Suzy visited us at home and gave us many helpful ideas and guided us when unsure, making things as easy as possible for us and took a weight off our minds. Equally, their office is light and bright so it did not feel claustrophobic when we had some time sitting with Mum in her casket. The white wicker casket was beautiful and the natural flowers very appropriate.Suzy was easy to contact and responded very quickly to any queries. We chose a white electric hearse which was obviously quiet and reverential.We felt fully supported throughout the whole process and could not have asked for anything more. Thank you so much for offering such a vital service with such compassion at a time when people so need your support.read more
Linda Marshall
11:07 10 Oct 22
A Natural Undertaking was recommended to me for my husband’s funeral. I am so grateful -... my daughter and I were really happy with the care and attention we received from Suzy. Nothing was too much trouble for her, from the first meeting to the day of the funeral. The service turned out to be exactly what we wanted – non-traditional and personal to our family. We received lots of compliments afterwards, so I want to thank them for brilliant organisation and support, helping us through a very difficult time.read more
Vishal Tween
14:44 08 Oct 22
I cannot not recommend A Natural Undertaking highly enough! They have been amazing in... helping me organise a truly fitting send off for my mother. Fran has been so helpful, kind, understanding and patient with me whilst I fumbled my way through the (new to me) process of organising a funeral, offering superb advice, guidance and reassurances. Thank you for helping us organise the perfect, personal send off!read more
Lesley Houghton
10:47 21 Sep 22
We were so pleased to have found A Natural Undertaking for Mum's funeral which took place... this week and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. A loved one's funeral is so important and the team were able to help us achieve the personal and relaxed one we had hoped for. Carrie came to meet us to make initial arrangements and that made the process so much easier too. They assisted with choice of celebrant and Kathryn Day was also wonderful, both before and on the day. Their web page link is also such a good way of being able to communicate information to friends and family prior to the funeral. Finally, the little white Nissan Leaf was just the right choice. Thank you again to everyone at A Natural Undertaking.read more
Andy Gudge
13:49 30 Aug 22
My wife of almost 50 years died quite suddenly at the end of July. A Natural Undertaking... was recommended to me and from the first conversation we (my daughter and I) had with them to the exchange of emails after the funeral their professionalism, compassion, kindness and understanding was quite admirable and very touching. I cannot recommend them highly enough.read more
Lorraine Hester
15:12 12 Aug 22
It's hard to put into words how highly I can recommend a natural undertaking. Frans calm,... reassuring, knowledgeable advice and support helped us on so many levels throughout the whole process after unexpectedly losing my mum. She managed the whole process often prompting me gently and quickly responding to any queries I had. I knew mum was in a calm, respectful, caring place and this meant so much. Thank you xread more
Khirstie Bromage
19:28 01 Aug 22
I wanted to say thank you for the care , support and compassion when it came to... organising our mums celebration of life service in January.You went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect for mum. I can’t thank you enough for the care you showed for our autistic sister.I can’t recommend a natural undertaking enough, arranging a service is so emotional but was made easier by all of you.Mum would have been proud of everything we were able to do for her.Thank you so much.read more
Imelda Stevens
14:46 26 Jul 22
Fran & her team - what a find! I had a bespoke structure in my mind for my adored... husband’s funeral not knowing if some of it would be possible. A Natural Undertaking made it all possible. Their advice, suggestions & overall approach (calm, quiet, compassionate & empathetic without being in the slightest bit obsequious) illustrated the way forward regarding funeral planning without a doubt. Bern’s Celebration of Life was perfect. “The Celebration by which all others will be measured” & “The best funeral I have ever been to” are just two from a large number of similar comments I received during the days that followed his funeral. Their “non corporate” premises provided an intimate & comfortable environment in which to talk about Bern which made us (myself & Bern’s daughter) feel 100% comfortable in the knowledge that he was in good & caring hands & not just a monetary figure on the bottom profit line. Independent & unique - I cannot recommend them highly enough - they were brilliant!read more
Jane Summerton
14:43 13 Jul 22
Suzie was very helpful and welcoming and made the situation so much more easier than I... was expecting, so different from previous experience with other funeral undertakers.The communication between Suzie, Westall Park, the celebrant Jess and the flowers from Carole at the Tuckshop was wonderful and I felt very relaxed about the day.read more
Jo Southerton
14:43 25 Jun 22
Can 100% recommend A Natural Undertaking. Having no experience with loss they supported... me through the whole process with professionalism and sensitivity. They are such kind sincere people who really care about getting it right. Thank youread more
Suzanne Lazarus
11:18 22 Jun 22
It is difficult to write a review for such a sad and devastating time as the loss of a... loved one but I felt it important to do so as this company, and Fran in particular, were invaluable to my family and I during the most difficult time. If this review helps to direct someone else to their service, and their support, then it is worth it. Fran was not only efficient, knowledgeable and practical in all of her help but treated us all with the most dignity and care. I can safely say that if felt like we were being supported by family. Nothing was too much trouble. Home visits really helped my children be involved, and all options were considered to make my husbands send off personalised, warm and filled with love. I cannot thank them enough.read more
Adam Jo
08:52 13 May 22
Many thanks to Carrie, Fran and their team for arranging my Nan's funeral. As per her... wishes, the funeral was traditional and everything was done to the finest detail with nothing being too much trouble. More importantly, they showed a lot of compassion to the family during such a sad time, and we can't thank them enough. Highly recommended.read more
L C
09:51 21 Feb 22
A pleasure from the very start to have Fran and Susie in support. We had a calm, quiet... approach to the funeral planning, really good advice on all fronts - especially celebrants, venues and much more - which resulted in a sad yet joyous occasion as we said goodbye to Sylvia. This seemed just right for us, a fitting send off and some marvellous memories. This is the way ahead for the funerals and we thoroughly recommend.read more
wendy beddows
12:51 17 Dec 21
We lost our 30 year old son to a motorbike accident in September and our World fell... apart. It was a family member who recommended A Natural Undertaking and I'm so glad she did. Carrie was amazing, so understanding and caring. Nothing was ever to much trouble. Our sons funeral was a very unique one, we tried to do what we thought he would have wanted. It was so difficult trying to think about a decision when your going through the worst time in your life but Carrie made it so much easier. We would recommend A Natural Undertaking 100% they are simply the best.read more
S J Knight
21:36 11 Nov 21
Carrie & the team at A Natural Undertaking are just absolutely amazing. They conducted my... brothers funeral with extremely sincere thoughts, pride & dignity. My brother was a young man when he passed away so needed something to reflect this within his funeral. A Natural Undertaking put us in touch with people to make this unique to him and the send off he deserved, even under strict covid restrictions.I cannot thank the team enough 🙏🏻Sarah Knightread more
Matthew Ingram
12:49 09 Sep 21
Natural Undertaking organised both my Mum's and Dad's funeral. With my Mum's (2018) they... helped my Dad organise a very personal funeral that aligned with my parent's beliefs and wishes. When my dad passed (2021), we returned to natural to have as similar service as possible.For both occasions they provided a friendly, compassionate service to help create a celebration of a person's life. They help you understand the options and provide the information you need to create the service you wish to make for your loved one. They are always on hand if you need to make changes or ask questions. I thank Carrie, Roxy, Fran and the rest of their team for all they did for my parents. I would not hesitate to recommend them.read more
Sandra Yates
08:37 28 Aug 21
So glad we found a natural undertaking.In such a difficult time it was lovely to find... such professional and caring people.Carrie & Fran listened to our wishes and did exactly what we wanted. They found us David the lovely vicar, who, also was caring and compassionate.After, everyone commented on how smooth things went, and how the day was memorable.This was an indication of how good a natural undertaking are, and, it gave us comfort to know that we made the right decision in choosing them.Highly recommended. Five Starsread more
Tania Khanahmadi
10:25 26 Jul 21
An amazing and unique service, so glad we found them!When our mum died, we didn't want... a typical funeral. We didn't know what we wanted, but the cliche "celebration of life" was closer to what we wanted than anything else.Carrie was absolutely amazing. We knew straight away we wanted them after the initial sympathetic conversation.Carrie is so loving, passionate, caring and helpful. Nothing is too much, she does so much and makes it all look effortless.She told us we could have whatever we wanted and she helped us give our mum a loving and simple ceremony, with personal touches our mum would have loved, that involved and included all the people she cared about and who cared about her.Carrie feels more like a friend or a member of the family. She is a beautiful person with a heart of gold, knowledgable and so good at what she does.Thank you so much Carrie and your fabulous team!Tania & Helenread more
David Hitchman
11:30 24 Apr 21
We contacted Fran and Carrie after looking at their website. They were very responsive... and were happy to make their service fit in with what we wanted for our daughter. Perhaps more importantly, we had confidence that they would properly look after our daughters body. The death of a loved one is always upsetting, but Fran and Carrie and their team made the process easier and made little suggestions along the way which really helped. Our experience of using A Natural Undertaking was a positive one and one that we would recommend to others.read more
Ray King
04:55 23 May 20
I cannot speak highly enough of A Natural Undertaking. Fran and her whole team provide a... very professional and efficient service with the care and compassion which is so important at a time of grief. In such a difficult time of the Covid pandemic, this especially more stressful experience was made easier by their very personal care.read more
Jamal Shabba
13:43 26 Mar 20
Truly a remarkable company to use for such a horrible time. Their knowledge of the... industry provides a lot of comfort and are very willing and happy to move to in keep with requests. Would recommend them to anyone that should ever have the misfortune of needing them. They genuinely turn a horrible situation into the event the deceased would want it to be.read more
Chris Hallmark
08:38 07 Mar 20
Carrie and Fran have built a business that feels genuinely different. They were warm,... friendly and very responsive. They wanted to help us create the funeral that was right for our family, and to remember Dad in our warm and slightly quirky way. They even indulged us with the custard jokes. I cannot recommend them more highly and wish them every success with their alternative take on remembrance.read more
Gillian Washington
18:06 29 Jan 20
A Natural Undertaking is an undertakers with a difference. No stuffy offices with men in... black suits. Just lovely helpful and caring people. Lots of choices were available and nothing was too much trouble. We did not feel pressurised or rushed into making decisions. Our whole experience was dealt with total empathy and efficiency. Would highly recommend them. Definitely 5 stars.read more
Amanda Smart
18:50 20 Jan 20
We were so thankful for all that Carrie, Zed and Fran did to help us through the period... following the devastation of Oliver's death. The sense that they really empathised with the pain of what we were going through and their way of guiding us, while encouraging us to do what was most helpful and most reflected Oliver's life was so empowering. You can't re-do a funeral! It was so important to us that it was 'right' and they made that easier at a time when we were struggling to think clearly. The service they provided was so personal and sensitive. Thank you!read more
James MacLaren
16:04 11 Dec 19
Carrie, Fran and everyone at A Natural Undertaking were fantastic in arranging my Mum's... funeral. Carrie was keen right from the start to make sure that everything was just so, despite the fact that we were working on a budget. Everything was clear and well explained (in fact, from beginning to end, communication was exemplary). Fran was fantastic in putting together the order or service as well. They communicated with all of the relevant parties, such that everything came together seamlessly.I hope that I never need to, but if I need to arrange a funeral again, I won't hesitate to give them a call.read more
Elizabeth Logan
06:40 12 Nov 19
I can't speak highly enough of Carrie, Fran and the entire Natural Undertaking team. ... Their compassion and professionalism were outstanding. The funeral and the celebration of life for my Father-in-Law were just what he and the family wanted, we couldn't have asked for better. The Natural Undertaking team were there for us from the start, from their calm reception area to their suggestions for flowers, locations and support with all those little details - they just smoothed the way. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.read more
Rachel Gregory
06:45 12 Oct 19
Absolutely wonderful company. Understood our family’s wishes completely. Ethical and... their pricing is incredibly fair. Thank you so much for making a difficult time much easier for us.read more
Rachel Plant
11:40 08 Oct 19
From start to finish Carrie, Fran and zed were the most wonderful undertakers we could... have asked for. They were so much more than just funeral directors, they were supportive, respectful and inspiring. Our family had an idea of what we wanted for Holly's funeral and everyone at A Natural Undertaking helped guide us with her wishes. Holly wanted a natural burial and it was in her quirky nature to have a creative and diverse farewell which is exactly what she got.Death and grief is extremely hard especially when a loved one is so young. We felt like we had an opportunity to help others through this process as a result of everything they had to offer us. Our family, our children & friends were all involved (as per our wishes) thanks to the huge effort and organisation of these wonderful people at A Natural Burial.Thank you so much for everything you did for Holly and family. We will hold you in our hearts forever xread more
Lisa Small
09:19 02 Jul 19
From our first meeting with Fran to the day of our son's funeral, we were treated with... care, empathy, dignity and understanding. The whole team at A Natural Undertaking, Fran, Zed and Carrie, paid attention to the smallest of details in the planning of his funeral, carefully explaining everything to us in a way which was clear but sensitive. Their handling of the arrangements ensured that he had a beautiful and fitting send off. We could not have been given a better level of care, and we would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give their loved one a unique, individually tailored farewell.read more
Linda Higgins
18:07 06 May 19
We would like to congratulate Fran and Cassie for looking after our dear friend... Joan.From the start to finish the care, kindness and attention to detail was second to non. We were given help and support with all the arrangements and we felt that the stress, of loosing a loved one so suddenly, had been taken off our shoulders. They helped to turn the day into a wonderful tribute to Joan.We would highly recommend this wonderful service!read more
Chris Lee
15:50 15 Apr 19
The service provided by a Natural Undertaking was perfect.Fran and Carrie advised and... guided us through both the process and the decisions that we needed to make for my father’s funeral with thought and understanding. They advised us what was possible and made constructive suggestions without pressure. They then calmly undertook the organisation of the service itself with calm efficiency despite late inputs from ourselves. The resulting service was both personal and appropriate to say goodbye to my father from myself, our family and his friends.I was specifically appreciated that Carrie found time to discuss in general the workings of the undertaking business which one at other times have little time or inclination to investigate. It certainly helped me during this time.I whole heartedly recommend this company.read more
Jane Arstall
17:19 14 Apr 19
Carrie and Fran are amazing! Nothing is too much trouble for them and they go the extra... mile to make sure that people get exactly the funeral they want. We had a big funeral at Cambridge Road Methodist Church and wanted to use a YouTube clip of my husband playing the Birmingham Town Hall organ which had been his special 60th birthday treat. Carrie managed to arrange an audio clip so that everyone heard Mark playing at his own funeral, which made the service really special. I know Mark would have loved the service. Thanks Carrie and Fran - I would recommend you to anyone.read more
Kamala Kay Mann
05:50 09 Apr 19
Carrie and Frances bought a heart centred approach to a very sad and difficult time with... the death of my brother. They organised the funeral in a week and it ran so seemlessly, so smoothly that the image I get when summing up how I feel about their services is a beautiful Swan gently gliding through water. Thier compassion, kindness and ability to listen, guide and respond softens my heart as I write this. Their attention to detail and having everything covered was such a massive weight off the family’s shoulders. We felt completely held. It seems strange to write this but they were a breath of fresh air to what is in essence is a very difficult time. Thank you so much Carrie and Frances - just like Swans gliding through water, you made a very difficult time seem like a heart centred natural undertaking. K Mannread more
Giles Darby
13:40 19 Feb 19
Professional, sensitive, efficient and compassionate from start to finish. Their... personal, alternative and fresh approach was exactly what we wanted yet without compromising all the finer arrangement details, which were dealt with perfectly. I can’t recommend them highly enough at what is always a difficult time.read more
Mike Abrams
17:59 30 Dec 18
A Natural Undertaking were recommended to us following the death of my wife, by a friend... who had used them previously. From our first meeting, we felt we were in good hands with a team that could talk us through the complexities of the arrangements and discuss the range of options available to us in a personal and very caring way. Working together we planned a service that included a number of unique elements that reflected the exceptional individual who sadly we were having to lay to rest. On the day, the arrangements worked perfectly and the feedback from friends and relatives who attended has been very positive. I am so glad we worked with A Natural Undertaking - we received a very personal and caring service and the whole team were a pleasure to deal with.read more
Simon Wilkes
15:16 20 Dec 18
As a family we decided to go forward with a direct cremation and hold our own service... outside a church environment. Even though this was with our fathers wishes it is sometimes easy to think you must follow the 'traditional' route. Fran & Carrie were both supportive in helping us ensure the day was the right mix of sadness and celebration. It was the little caring things which made the difference. So if you want the right service without feeling you are still in the 1950s then Natural Undertaking will provide a first class service whether its a simple option like ours or a full bespoke option.read more
Nerina Villa
11:02 20 Sep 18
Right from my first phone call Fran at A Natural Undertaking was amazing. She was kind,... warm and comforting at a time when that is exactly what you need. She gave me wonderful advice and made sure that we were able to create the most wonderful, individual funeral for my mum that still makes me smile when I think of it. They were there at every step of the way with support, advice and practical help. Thank you so much.read more
