Welcome to our wellbeing podcasts
When it comes to improving the wellbeing of funeral staff, who better to ask than professionals with many years of practice? Host Katie Stevenson chats with SAIF Members about their experiences.
Common themes are the importance of self-care, the challenges of working in a family business and the need to create a healthy work/life balance.
Watch the frank and open interviews for suggestions you can introduce into your own situation. Do you have your own story about improving wellbeing? Contact us now!
Remember to check back as we’re adding new videos all the time!
As well as being a funeral director with Paul Stevenson Funeral Directors, Katie Stevenson is also a mental health and fitness personal trainer.
SAIF Past President Declan Maguire kicks off our Wellbeing podcast series with an introduction to the series’ presenter, SAIF Member Katie Stevenson.
SAIF Chief Executive Terry Tennens tells Katie Stevenson why self-care and mental well-being is so important in the face of regulatory changes in the funeral industry.
SAIF Executive Member and Past President, Helen Wathall, chats with Katie. They discuss Helen’s decision to abstain from alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Katie and Brian Elwood talk about the impact of corporate takeovers on family-owned funeral businesses. They delve into the importance of personal interests and maintaining a work-life balance.
SAIF Executive Member, Oliver Towner shares shares his background and role in the family-owned business, Arthur C. Towner Limited. They talk about the importance of leadership and work-life balance in the funeral industry.
Katie chats with SAIF Member Scott Munn about the progression of gender equality in the workplace. Scott describes the formation of a men’s group for emotional support and mental health first aid training for staff.
Katie meets SAIF Executive Member Becky and Past President Mark from Horton’s Funeral Directors. Subjects include public perceptions of the funeral sector and the changing demographics of the industry.
Ross McComiskie, Manager at Crosbie Matthews Funeral Directors and Katie talk about learning from past struggles and dealing with the emotional toll of contemplating death.
SAIF Support’s Catherine Betley highlights the unique challenges faced by funeral professionals. Katie and Catherine agreed on the importance of seeking help when needed.
Inez Capps of Kinton & Daughter Funeral Services shares her experiences as a second-generation female director. She and Katie explore balance in professional and personal responsibilities.
Katie introduced Kate, a founding member of Colourful Coffins, and discussed her role in the family-owned business. They discussed the concept of ‘wellbeing’, with Kate defining it as physical and mental health and inner peace. Lastly, they explored whether Kate’s responsibilities as a mother influenced her work at the family business, to which she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of accountability and commitment.
Katie and Ross Anderson, the managing director of Andrew Anderson and Sons, discussed the challenges and advantages of running a family-owned business in the funeral industry. They emphasized the importance of balancing work and family responsibilities, and the role of communication in both personal and professional circles. Additionally, they discussed the value of self-care and providing support to team members to create a positive work environment.
Bec Wathall is 6th generation in her family’s funeral business, GE Wathall. She discussed the unique challenges and rewards of her role, including balancing motherhood and self-care.Bec andKate highlighted the importance of understanding and appreciating differences, and the value of physical exercise for mental and physical wellbeing.
Katie and Sheila from Crosbie Matthew Funeral Directors Ltd, discussed Sheila’s journey in the male-dominated industry, the importance of work-life balance, and the value of building good relationships with professionals.