Recycled metal from council crematorium helps support local charities
The funding has been shared between three organisations that provide vital care and compassion to families across the community.
The amount raised has been split between pregnancy and baby loss charity SANDS (£5,666) based in Catford, St Christopher’s Children’s Hospice (£5,667) and Marie Curie (£5,667).
The money was raised through the Recycling of Metals Scheme, run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Lewisham Council is a member.
With the consent of relatives, the scheme carefully retrieves and recycles metals remaining after a cremation. These can include items such as medical pins, plates, wires and artificial joints. Rather than going to waste, the metals are recycled and the proceeds donated to charities that support people who are terminally ill or families experiencing bereavement.
This year’s donations will help fund specialist equipment at St Christopher’s Hospice, provide one-to-one bereavement befriending for families who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss through SANDS, and support projects such as Marie Curie’s urgent hospice care at home.
Cllr Oana Olaru-Holmes joined staff from the council’s bereavement service to present cheques to the three charities.
Cllr Oana Olaru-Holmes, Cabinet Member for Bereavement Services, said: “This scheme turns the quiet act of recycling into meaningful support for people facing some of life’s most difficult moments.
“As a council, we have a duty not only to provide respectful bereavement services, but also to look for ways we can give back to our community. We’re proud that, with families’ consent, this scheme allows us to support charities whose work brings comfort, dignity and care to people during the most difficult times of their lives.”
Alex Adie, Senior Philanthropy Manager at St Christophers said: “Your generosity means that we are able to continue to provide vital services for our community in southeast London. Living well until the last moment of life is something we passionately believe in. Your gift allows us to continue to care for thousands of people each year.”
Lewisham Council has raised more than £187,000 for local end-of-life and bereavement charities since joining the ICCM recycling scheme 11 years ago.