ABSTRACT
The National Council for Palliative Care commissioned ComRes to conduct a public opinion poll on death and dying looking at the factors that would help to ensure a good death. Rituals are examined in 'reverse order', starting with funerals, then marriages, followed by baby-namings. Community ceremonies such as remembrance and memorial services are considered. Words cannot begin to describe the utter sense of desolation on the loss of an expected baby. If the baby has died around the time of birth, there may be few memories or mementos. Commemorations, remembrance and memorial services, and events can play an important role for groups of people and for communities who share common experiences. As part of a team, non-religious pastoral carers can play a key role in helping to construct, organise and, where appropriate, take part in commemoration events. Prayers can be important to many people attending such events, but not to all people.
