NAFD News NAFD New Year social media campaign reaches tens of thousands E arly in January, the NAFD launched a social media campaign challenging people to describe their funeral wishes in either a 280-character tweet or a short Facebook post. “We know people are reluctant to talk about the end of life, but we also know they often can’t resist a social media challenge that involves revealing their likes and dislikes,” said Deborah Smith, who leads communications for the NAFD. “What’s been fantastic about the response to this is that it has sparked discussion - and that’s the whole point. We have to keep trying different ways to help people start a conversation with their loved ones. Even if a quick social media post is all they ever do, just think how much uncertainty that would remove for families in the future.” By the end of the first week of the campaign it had reached more than 36,000 people, with
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numerous funeral plans tweeted online. The conversation continued for several days as people shared location ideas, preferred music, what colours, hobbies or interests should be involved and any guidance for mourners. The funeral wishes tweeted ranged from traditional religious services, to very simple, outdoor services and complex, highly bespoke events. Some tweeters tagged loved ones to ensure they were aware. All of the tweets, whether simple or complex, were highly personal and meaningful to the individual. There was even a tweet from a dog with its own Twitter account. It also sparked some conversations with loved ones with one respondent reporting: “I asked my teenage son if he’d like my body at home before my funeral. He visibly recoiled in horror. ‘No bloody way. I don’t want you lying ALL over the sofa BEING dead.’ No, idiot, I’d be in a coffin.
