Water cremation in the UK
Scotland is now the first part of the UK to introduce water cremation, with regulations approved and the option officially available from 2 March 2026. The Scottish Government has confirmed that funeral directors can now offer the process, and the first procedures are expected to take place this summer. For many, this may be the first time they have heard about water cremation. Here are our FAQs to help you understand how it works and why someone might choose it.
Interview with a pathologist: what happens during a post-mortem examination
We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to Chris Meehan, Consultant Histopathologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath about his work on post-mortems. For some, the topic of autopsies is taboo; a subject too uncomfortable to approach. For others, it’s a fascinating, though slightly squeamish reality. So what are Chris’s thoughts on post-mortem and public perception?
Valentine’s Day: Sex, intimacy and relationships at the end of life
When someone is living with a terminal illness, nearly every part of life can shift, including how they feel about their body, their sexuality, and their relationships. Studies have shown that many patients nearing the end of their lives have expressed that sex and intimacy are essential to them; however, it is often overlooked by healthcare professionals and not commonly discussed.
The history of death masks: faces of the departed
Throughout history, humans have longed to remember the dead—not just in spirit, but in form. Among the most haunting and intimate expressions of this desire is the death mask: a cast taken from a person’s face shortly after death. From Tutankhamun to Lenin, let’s take a look at death masks through history.
Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025: The Culture of Dying Matters
This Dying Matters Awareness Week, from 5 – 11 May, Hospice UK is focusing on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together.
The theme of this year's campaign is: The Culture of Dying Matters.
World Art Day 2025: the depiction of death in art
Throughout the history of art, artists have utilised various mediums to explore universal human experiences. The one, inescapable human experience which has fascinated, horrified and captivated artists, is death.
Part of Life has created a list of art works that offer views on death and dying, that can help those struggling with questions around mortality, to reflect and consider the ultimate human experience.
A Halloween Ode to Brompton Cemetery
Inspired by a Halloween stroll around Brompton Cemetery, London, Part of Life penned a poem to shine a light on the beauty to be found behind cemetery walls.
Wild swimming and grief
Increasing numbers of studies are connecting the power of nature to wellbeing, pain management and peace at end of life. At Part of Life, we understand that nature can be a solace for mental suffering, be it anxiety, depression or grief.
There are many ways to connect with nature to access its mental health benefits. One popular method to immerse oneself in nature is wild swimming.
Burial customs from around the world
In the western world, though our funerary practices are evolving, we are most familiar with two methods to dispose of the dead: burial and cremation. In other parts of the world, the treatment of the dead and disposal of remains can vary enormously, with vastly differing rituals and beliefs.
A Good Goodbye
What makes a good goodbye? We invited independent funeral celebrant, and ex-social worker, Susanna Watson to share her thoughts on what elements make for a good funeral send off.
Cemetery Photography
Ever heard of Taphophilia? We approached tombstone tourist, Madame Cimetière, to share her love of cemetery photography and discover more about this respectful and beautiful art form.
A Grandparent’s Grief
The death of a grandchild is hard to bear. But the death of three and his own wife, seems incomprehensible. Self declared ‘problem solver’ and grandfather Peter Hime, shares his perspectives on making death a part of life for children and how to support a family through the impossible.
Landmark Death Literacy research to shape local hospice end of life care
Landmark Dorothy House Death Literacy research to shape local end of life care.
Thinking ahead to the end of life…
Age UK B&NES share their top tips for planning ahead for the end of life; from power of attorney to difficult conversations, getting your affairs in order can reduce anxiety for everyone involved.
From the mouths of babes…
19 year-old Jess’s Mum died in May 2021. In this honest and disarming interview Jess shares her experience of death, grief and bereavement and its catastrophic impact on her academic career and personal life.
In conversation with Sir Al
From losing his father aged ten, to his time as England’s first Children’s Commissioner, the plight of hidden mourners and the role religions could play in destigmatising death - Sir Al Aynsley Green makes a passionate plea for change.