Thereafter are London based undertakers and funeral arrangers who work to rehumanise our natural demise. We provide a fresh approach to the funeral, addressing how we say our goodbyes in a way that is honest, kind and appropriate to you – We don’t like to call ourselves Funeral Directors as we are not here to tell you what to do. We provide expertise and kindness and ultimate care for the living and the dead.
We are here to facilitate, assist, guide, advise as much or as little as you need when it comes to arranging a funeral.
We understand the stress of emotional upheaval when someone dies and we’re here to take the stress off you as much as we can. We believe in giving the funeral back to you. We take great pride in providing you with the structure and support you need whilst giving you the freedom you wish for to say goodbye in a personal and meaningful way.
‘Thereafter’ meaning – continuing on from a particular point in time, in particular after when something else has stopped happening, English Cambridge dictionary
Thereafter was named to reflect our philosophy of the role the funeral takes. Saying goodbye is not a one-day event. Thereafter was formed with a passion and belief that if we are able to say goodbye in a way that is relevant and personal to individual needs we will be in a better position to help ourselves in adjusting to living with loss.
We often talk about style and tone of the funeral – this is also true in our approach to helping you through. We work with genuine openness, sensitivity, flexibility and empathy. In a fast paced, increasingly digital world, we acknowledge and respect the raw and emotional and unique space we work in. We are proud to facilitate and hold this space for you. Saying goodbye is never easy. The least we can do is make this as kind on you as possible.
As society evolves, virtual and beyond the role and understanding of the funeral has changed. It brings to question, do we need funerals today?
We believe they do – Historically we have always mourned and honoured our dead. The process of grief and how we live with loss starts with the funeral. How we choose to mark life is entirely a personal choice. Thereafter Funeral Services break the mould of the dominant high street funeral. Personal choice is at the core of what we offer. We are advocates of the colourful texture of life. Music, art, film, theatre, food, drink and dancing have all play their part in society today. These can all play their part in how we honour and respect our dead.
Based in London, we are not confined to our location on the high street. We like to facilitate funerals beyond the walls of the crematorium allowing for freedom and flexibility. Partnering with fellow independent funeral directors we are happy to assist and guide you in creating a funeral, ceremony and celebration in a way that is right for you in the knowledge that the highest standards of care are given every step of the way, no matter where in the UK you are.
As natural enquirers, provocateurs of new ways of thinking, being and doing for brighter futures, the team at Thereafter are committed to sustainability and our environment. As advocates of change has seen Thereafter Funeral Services as a finalist for a Good Funeral Award in the category of ‘Most Promising New Comer to the Trade’
We really do not see our work as ‘just a job filing forms and dealing with the scary side of life’ Beyond our services to the families we serve we work to change the culture of death and loss here in the UK. We recognise that death is life changing. Through our work in public communities and collaborating with other like minded professionals and creatives, we work toward a society that honours life in loss and loss in life.
At Thereafter, we believe funerals should be personal and reflect the unique life of the deceased, delivered with both heart and innovation. Ceremonies are a cornerstone of our services. We’re also aware of the environmental impact of traditional funerals and are committed to driving positive change. This means empowering people to make informed decisions about eco-friendly options, while always adhering to environmental regulations. We prioritise continual improvement by setting objectives that minimise our environmental footprint. Our practices are based on the latest evidence available, and we actively seek to create a more sustainable future for the funeral industry through education and collaboration.
At Thereafter, we will always put our customers first by prioritising their needs and ensuring a positive goodbye experience. We understand the importance of listening to your wishes and tailoring ceremonies to reflect the unique life.
Through open communication and collaboration, we work closely with you to create a meaningful tribute. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in testimonials from those we’ve served, highlighting our attention to detail, generosity, and ability to deliver ceremonies that truly resonate. Read what our customers are saying below.
Before entering the funeral industry, Debbie has a packed and colourful working history in the arts, theatre, film, events and hospitality. Her professional and personable approach crew a very broad client base: from Acer to Conran, JCB to the V&A, McVities to Motorhead.
Having produced a vast number of private events following attending a very formulaic and cold funeral for a family member she started to look into how we say our goodbyes.
Always a fan of a play on words and with the desire to make change, she started out working under the provocative title, ‘A Funeral To Die For’ Whilst this achieved in attracting attention the sensitivity of some of the most tragic and heart breaking losses quickly deemed this as a great tag line but not a name to grow with.
Having studied Philosophy and theatre in the early 90’s, little did she imagine that such interests would facilitate and compliment her work today. When it comes to writing and creating bespoke funerals the two subjects go hand in hand.
Embracing counter culture, growing up in the underground dance scene, freedom of life-style, freedom of thought, paired with positive spirit, Debbie’s open approach to people and life to brings a fresh and progressive energy into an industry resistant to change.
A sensitive and natural leader with an innovative and lateral thinking mind, Debbie has secured the reputation of ‘making the impossible possible’.
Debbie Malynn is a regular guest speaker at Kings College University London as a part of the Science, Tech & humanity BA Hons discussing death in the modern day and the future of the death industry socially and environmentally.
If you would like to discuss a funeral and how we can assist in creating a personalised farewell, please get in touch
Address:
Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington, N16 0LH
Registered Office:
109 Pembury Road, London N17 8LY
