Aims and Principles

More and more people wish to celebrate the important times in their life and ultimately their death in their own individual way. Our aim is to enable them to do this.

LifeRites is dedicated to serving the needs of those individuals who hold no formal religious beliefs and who seek to affirm their life and death in a personal and individual manner by providing practical advice and guidance on Rites of Passage and Life Celebrations, empowering people to do things for themselves. We also acknowledge the needs of those who ascribe to Nature based spiritualities.

LifeRites respects the individual's spiritual beliefs without judgement.

LifeRites has a network of registered Celebrants and Officiants available to conduct and advise on Ceremonies where the individual does not wish to conduct these themselves. If we are unable to assist in a given situation, we will endeavour to introduce the individual to an organisation better suited to their needs.

LifeRites has registered Interactive workers who will work with the terminally ill and their carers in the worker's own locality to provide a listening ear and non medical support in the last days.

LifeRites aims to provide suitable training for its workers. Where this is not available "in house", we will refer trainees to the relevant accredited bodies.

LifeRites produces a newsletter aimed at keeping subscribers informed of the Group's work and to provide a forum for comment and debate. In addition, we produce a series of information leaflets covering Rites of Passage and Life Celebrations.

LifeRites is a non profit making organisation. Charges for services are made are made as per our ceremonies tariff and other expenses such as travel are made on a case by case basis.

LifeRites is funded on annual subscription and donations basis. Monies received are used to defray administrative, training and associated costs.

Working Principles

LifeRites holds four basic principles as fundamental to all aspects of its operation. These are: Professionalism, Service, Respect and Responsibility.

LifeRites acknowledges the right of every individual to perform ceremonies if they so wish and aims to actively encourage them to do so. Where the services of a registered Celebrant, Officiant or Interactive worker is requested, then these members are expected to present a professional approach in line with our code of practice and to pursue training to gain appropriate skills for their rôle.

LifeRites believes that the work our members do is valuable and will ask for suitable and due fee (on a par with other similar organisations, e.g. Humanist, Christian)

LifeRites discourages personal ego - thus we serve

LifeRites advocates supervision in all aspects of its work. Constructive criticism and positive feedback leads to enhanced personal practice.

LifeRites respects the beliefs and wishes of the individual but understands that we are not part of their family (especially in bereavement). As supportive professionals we accept that our clients' decisions are not ours, and will accede to those choices where appropriate.

LifeRites demands the highest standards of courtesy, regard and gentleness in all aspects of our work. Our aim is to work with integrity and openness within these principles.