The AOIC works closely with a number of organisations central to the celebrant profession. We also offer a range of discounts and benefits via our AOIC partners and kindred associations, as detailed below.
Aura Funerals
The AOIC is delighted to work closely with Aura Funerals – a unique person-centred funeral planning service. Aura funerals take away the expensive, formal add-ons of a traditional funeral, so a family can focus on a send-off that’s as simple or as special as they want it to be. All Aura funerals include a direct cremation, a simple coffin and high-quality care and support, as well as the option to arrange a celebration or ceremony at a later date with a celebrant.
As part of our agreement, the team of ‘Aura Angels’ make the AOIC Directory their first port of call for sourcing celebrants. They endeavour to match every customer to the right celebrant, taking into account distance and any special requirements the family has.
If you’re a member or are considering joining us and have any questions about this partnership, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
NAFD
The AOIC is proud to be a supplier member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). Membership provides useful information from the funeral trade and acts as a platform for discussion with independent funeral directors and the larger corporate companies.
The NAFD holds meetings at district, regional and national levels. Members may be approached to represent the AOIC at these meetings if the need arises. If you are interested in attending district and regional meetings, please contact us.
SAIF
The AOIC is proud to be an associate member of SAIF: The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. Membership provides useful information from the funeral trade and the activities of independent funeral directors. It also acts as a platform for discussion within the trade.
SAIF holds meetings at regional and national level and our committee strive to attend and represent our members at both levels. If you are interested in attending your regional meeting, please contact us.
Guides for Brides
We work closely with the wedding planning resource Guides for Brides, sharing articles and advice for couples planning a wedding. They also offer AOIC members a £50 voucher to spend on their first year’s marketing on the Guides for Brides website. This is valid on any website listing, social media or online marketing spend.
If you’re a member or are considering joining us and have any questions about this partnership, feel free to contact us for more information.
AtaLoss.org
The death of a family member or friend is always a very difficult experience, so finding the right support is crucial. AtaLoss.org brings together over 200 local and national bereavement services, filtered according to preference, location and need, as well as practical information and advice. We encourage celebrants to recommend this service to the families they work with.
Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers AOIC members discounted membership, allowing you to benefit from inclusive support, legal advice, financial expertise and a powerful voice in governments across the UK.
As a member, you’ll get access to:
• 24/7 legal advice
• Online library of over 1,300 legal, tax & business documents, templates and guides
• Easy access to Skills Training
• Tax advice and Tax protection
• Advice and documents on health and safety, provided by industry experts
• Networking & Events
• Many more benefits.
If you’re a member or are considering joining us and have any questions about this partnership, feel free to contact us for more information.
Child Funeral Charity
“I always thought that in the event of the death of a child then the funeral costs are met by either the state or with free funerals from the industry from either the funeral directors and ministers. This is not the case.” (CFC)
Sometimes families find themselves locked in a state where they cannot afford the basics to arrange a funeral. As you will see from the CFC website, there are a number of ways in which families are in need of help.
The AOIC has pledged itself to support this charity and referrals for help can be made through you the celebrant, a family member, another professional or a funeral director.
Suicide Bereavement UK
The AOIC works closely with Suicide Bereavement UK and we offer a Suicide Safeguarding Support service to members, available any time you have concerns about a person’s mental wellbeing and believe them to be at increased risk of suicide.
We can also highly recommend the training courses offered by SBUK, including:
PABBS evidence-based, CPD accredited suicide bereavement training
This training is first of its kind internationally. The research which informed its developed was conducted at the University of Manchester and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
For more information CLICK HERE