Funeral Poverty Hull

The term ‘funeral poverty’ is something which is being mentioned in the press more and more in recent times. To put it simply, funeral poverty describes the situation many families find themselves in when a loved one dies and the family are unable to meet the financial burden of funeral costs. As we all know funeral costs are increasing and much faster than anyone would have expected with a rise of 112% since 2004* (*source – Sunlife cost of dying report 2017). At a time of bereavement too many families are worrying about debt and finances, causing further stress at a time when grief is the only thing they should be dealing with.

The funeral industry is a strange one and the trouble is it is shrouded in too much secrecy. Many funeral directors are still very old fashioned in how they do business and don’t openly discuss their prices until people are actually at the point of making funeral arrangements with them, making their clients much more likely to accept the costs and not consider alternative options. Fees are often made difficult to understand so people may find it hard to compare the prices of similar services. All too often we see the terms *excluding third party fees or *not including disbursements. For those that don’t know, these seemingly small ‘extra’ fees are actually a pretty big part of the funeral expenses, (often costing over £1000) and not just something to be tagged on at the end like the postage charge you would add-on when ordering a parcel. People need to know all of the fees for a full funeral and not be confused by different amounts and figures here and there. Of course with increased wages, rising vehicle fuel costs and larger running costs for all, this has inevitably had a knock on effect of some aspects of funeral prices. However, somewhere along the lines this seems to have gotten out of hand.

So how is Evergreen Funeral Services trying to tackle funeral poverty?

  • We are proud to display our prices on our website allowing families to research our costs before they get in touch.
  • We offer a lower priced funeral package that includes a service, for those that need a more affordable option.
  • We aim to explain the funeral costs clearly and without all of the jargon.
  • We don’t push families into having unnecessary upgrades or extras.
  • We always aim to give a price for any funeral service as a whole and inform of possible future costs that may arise such as; headstones or costs for the burial of ashes. We don’t ever want any family to receive a bill later on that they weren’t expecting.

At Evergreen Funeral Services we believe that people should be given information that is clear and simple regarding funeral

 

costs. Funeral Director’s need to be more open about their most affordable funeral options and not pressure people into having lots of the add-ons and extras that they might not need nor be able to fund. We are proud to say that our funeral prices are less than the national and also regional averages.  An average funeral with us typically costs around £2500 – £3000 for a cremation, £3000 – £4000 for a burial, and we never push people into anything they haven’t asked for.

We also recognise that many families do in fact struggle with funeral costs and because of this we have created our ‘simple’ cremation as a more affordable option for those that still want a full funeral service for their loved one but at a lower cost. By keeping it ‘simple’ we can offer this at a reduced price of £1895 – saving these families over 23% on our regular fees. The reason we are able to do this is by keeping certain aspects of the funeral ‘simpler’ such as; travelling to the funeral service direct from our branch, only conducting viewings during office hours or saving administrative time by not creating non-essentials such as orders of service. As we are cutting down on our costs, we are therefore able to offer a saving on the price of our services to the client. Everything required for a simple, dignified funeral is included within our price which also includes those third party fees. The one thing that will not be reduced is the care and commitment that we offer all of our clients regardless of the preference for a simple or lavish funeral service.

Tackling funeral poverty is not just an issue for funeral director’s but for every single person. One day we will all face death and yet strangely in today’s society it is still very much a taboo subject. We need to change this and we need people to feel comfortable accepting death as a part of the life process and promote everyone to speak of what will happen when that time comes. By promoting comparison and clarity in the funeral industry, we hope this will be one step of many to help shape how the industry moves forward and helps families to benefit from greater transparency by all.

Evergreen Funeral Services
5.0
Based on 134 reviews
Natasha Thompson-Abbey
Evergreen have been brilliant during such a difficult time. From the very first phone call I had with Steve he made sure to put our minds at ease and told us that my dad would be treated with dignity. Gary and Steve made sure to listen to my dad’s wishes and did everything just as we asked. They were so caring and kind and we would 100% recommend evergreen to anyone.
Jessica Baskill
My dad passed away and i found it very difficult, Gary and Steve were so understanding and helpful. They made me feel at ease knowing my dad was being looked after respectfully. They went above and beyond for me and im eternally grateful to them.
Ruth H
If you’re finding yourself reading this review of Evergreens because someone you love has passed away, I’m so sorry for your loss. I did the same thing when my father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in November 2024. I reached out to Evergreens as two of my family members, my Auntie and my Cousin were also looked after by Evergreens but I had no part in their arrangements. When I first called Evergreens, I spoke to Steve and he promptly pulled over from driving to take my call. When I explained that my father was born and bred in Hull but passed in Durham, the moment Steve said “and you’ll be bringing him home”, I knew Evergreens were for us.

Evergreens don’t have big leather arm chairs or fancy gold lettering on their office windows, but what we received in care and understanding from them far surpassed our expectations and any fancy office.

My father was a Priest and had worked with Evergreens before, only two months before his passing when he led his sisters funeral. So when they brought my dear Dad from Durham for us, and they told us he recognised him, this made me feel so comforted.

Evergreens were understanding of our circumstance and gave guidance and allowed my brother and I to take our time making some decisions of my fathers funeral. It was the first time either of us were involved in the planning. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured and they answered all our questions.

We had initially been told by a local funeral directors in Durham who had collected my father that he may not be viewable. I’m sure if you’re reading this and are in that position, it’s an extremely upsetting thing to be told and to process. But Evergreens set our expectations and told us that he was indeed viewable. They put my father in his suit of choice. It was my first time seeing someone who had passed, but Steve and his team were so lovely and respectful with my Dad. I gave a picture of my father that was taken a few months prior and they trimmed his beard perfectly. He looked like my Dad, just sleeping. He looked so handsome in his suit. I had plenty of time with him, as did other family members.

On the day of my fathers funeral, the care and respect given was second to none, even allowing my fathers beloved dog to join us in the car, and at the church service with permission from the church. His funeral was perfect. At the end, we were not rushed to leave as we said goodbye to family that couldn’t join the continuation of the celebration of my fathers life with food and drink nearby. They dropped us off at our venue without hesitation.

Evergreens also advised us to have my father cremated at Lelley Fields. I personally picked up my father’s ashes less than a week later and the grounds and staff were wonderful, even offering for us to come back when we want his ashes transferred, which is free of charge. Dogs are also welcome on the beautiful grounds at Lelley Fields.

I’m sorry you find yourself making a hard decision. Sadly none of us want to think about our loved ones funeral and organising goodbyes. I hope I never have to use a funeral directors again, but death being inevitable for everyone we love, I know it’s something I will have to sadly do again. And when I do, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the care of Evergreens again.

Steve and team, you’ve left a precious everlasting mark on the memory of my Dad, and for that I thank you all.
Mike Allison
Like many people looking for a funeral director for a family member for the first time, I approached a few local funeral directors but Evergreen stood out head and shoulders above everyone else. From the first enquiry to collecting the ashes after the cremation, Gary & Steve were professional, friendly and understanding to my individual needs. Everything was explained to me in non jargon language and all queries were answered with honesty and compassion. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Evergreen to anyone looking for a funeral director in Hull and the surrounding areas. Thank you for everything.
Neil Garbutt
Many thanks to Gary and Steve for the support and compassion they extended to us in the arranging of my fathers funeral
Evergreen funeral services are outstanding and professional in all aspects so many thanks again for a lovely bespoke funeral
Would very highly recommend
Thanks
Neil and Emma
EC Gas Plumbing & Heating Services
Can't believe it was only 7 days ago we laud our mother to rest.

Just want take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Evergreen Funeral Services , they was truly amazing with sorting everything even though i was annoying to make it perfectfor our mother, plus the effort they put in to make our life's easier so we could grieve was beyond anything. Plus getting our mother ashes back to me today was truly appreciated.

I can't thank them enough.

Truly amazing, professional, and so understanding 👏 🙌
Tracey Beverley
We recently used evergreen for the funeral of my husband. From that first phone call they were friendly and respective of our grief. They reassured us that my husband would be well looked after. Even after he was there I rang for something and they said no problem. Garry and all the staff couldn't have been any nicer. Alastair who did the service for us was very helpful in getting a good impression of my husbands life and likes . Thankyou for making a very difficult time less painfull.
elizabeth seetal
My Son's funeral that was in 2020, was perfect! Evergreen went out their way and catered every need that was required of them. 5 years on, I asked them for a forgotten piece of music which was played on my Son's entry into the Chapel. A friend of mine wanted it for her Husbands funeral. Steve went out of his way on a Saturday to chase it up from the funeral computer and was able to give it to me. They are the Best!
Kelly Connell
Thank you for handling my mums cremation with such dignity care and respect couldn't have chosen a better funeral director for my mums cremation. Thank you for everything you have done xx
Colette Walker
We recently used the services of Evergreen for our dad. From the very first phone call we were reassured that our dad would be treated with the upmost dignity and care and throughout the process we continued to feel that reassurance. It has been, the most difficult time in our lives, so having the care and professionalism from Gary and the whole team really did help to ease our grief somewhat.
Gary suggested Mike as a celebrant for dads funeral, thank you for this, he managed to capture our dad so well and gave him the best send off we could have wished for.
Thank you to the whole team for everything.
Mike Woodley
Can't thank Gary and all the team at Evergreen enough, 1st class service and very caring and understanding
S H
The services provided were excellent from start to finish. Gary is an extremely personable, likeable person. I highly recommend this business.
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