St Helens bereavement services team celebrate silver hat-trick in national Cemetery Awards

The team, based at St Helens Crematorium and Cemetery, were once again recognised among the very best in the country for providing bereavement support for families, and their network of services available to all. 

The Cemetery of the Year Awards Competition is designed to improve standards within burial grounds and encourage best practice with information and support from leading burial authority organisations. 

The celebrations for the St Helens team follow the completion of a £3.4 million modernisation of the crematorium, where the team is based, with renovation works throughout the main chapel, waiting room, entrance foyer, clergy room, staff offices and toilets. 

A disused small chapel was also renovated, bringing it back into use for smaller, more intimate services. 

On a visit to congratulate the Bereavement Services team on winning their third Silver Award, Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: 

"St Helens Crematorium and Cemetery is one of our most important assets in the borough where generations have come together to remember their loved ones. 

"The team's third consecutive Silver Award is testament to the amazing officers who show real professionalism and care for those they work with. And we mustn't forget the dedicated volunteers in the Friends of St Helens Cemetery, with whose support we maintain the cemetery's best in class standards.  

"The outstanding service we provide to families is now matched by a modern crematorium, thanks to substantial investment by the council and a truly transformative renovation project." 

Philip Potts of the Memorial Awareness Board said:  

"The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward hard-working staff and demonstrate the central role cemeteries can play in the community. They provide places of peaceful contemplation and beauty, as well as their ecological importance. 

"The team at St Helens Cemetery performed exceptionally throughout the extensive judging period which is focused on Industry Standards, Environmental Issues and Good Practice."