The Bearer - Issue 7 - March 2025

March, 2025

THE BEARER

Business News

Staff Updates

HARWOOD PARK NEWS New Screens Installed in the Chapel

Industry News

BUSINESS NEWS

Just part of our continued investment in the facilities and services, that we are proud to offer.

During the evening of Monday 10th February, Wesley Media updated the visual facilities at Harwood Park.

Removing the old 65” commercial screen and replacing it for two new 75” 4k Sony Commercial Screens.

The install took 6 hours to complete, with about an hour of testing. It was completed out of hours, so that it did not impact any of the services and was ready for the first service of the day on Tuesday. A massive thank you to Colin from Wesley Media and to Jo Dawes of Harwood

74a High Street Update: Progress on Track Work at 74a High Street is progressing well, with significant developments taking shape. Internal walls are now being fitted on the first floor, helping to define the new spaces and bring the layout to life. Meanwhile, the service chapel is nearing completion, marking an exciting milestone in the project.

With steady progress, we look forward to seeing the transformation unfold in the coming weeks as the target date for moving in looms! (no pressure, Claire!)

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Issue 7

Message from Claire…

As we observe the welcome changes of spring, there is much on the horizon for Austin’s and Harwood Park.

Our Memorial Gardens are stunning throughout the seasons but, over recent months, our Grounds Team has been carrying out additional planting and memorial work. The gardens will soon be in their full summer glory again.

In this issue we are pleased to bring you an insight into our Care Team who deliver unrivalled professionalism and dedication in the care of the deceased.

In February, we said a very fond farewell to Jackie Brown who has retired after almost seventeen years at Austin’s of Hitchin. She will be greatly missed.

We are, however, pleased to introduce several new members to our Team who will play key roles in the imminent relocation of Austin’s Head Office to Stevenage High Street.

We continue our focus on assisting charitable organisations in our local community through both personal engagement and fund-raising. I am delighted to confirm that our selected charity for 2025 is Young Lives vs Cancer.

I hope you enjoy reading all our news and updates.

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March, 2025

Exterior Lighting Upgrade At Harwood Park Crematorium Over a two week period the old exterior lighting at Harwood Park has been upgraded. The old style bollard lamps have been replaced with new energy efficient LED bollards. The large flood lights, highlighting the entrance to the grounds and building have been replaced by LED panels and all of the globes around the exterior of the building and original floral court have been replaced with warm white LED globes.

Unlock Your Potential with Microw Training Software We are excited to announce that Microw Training Software is now available to all desktop computers users at Austins Funeral Directors and Harwood Park Crematorium.

This online learning portal provides access to a vast library of over 300+ tools and training videos, covering everything from Microsoft 365 to the latest business tools. Whether you’re

looking to enhance your IT skills or simply find new ways to improve productivity, Microw offers easyto-follow courses tailored to your professional growth.

With Microw, you can learn at your own pace, explore new software, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving workplace. From mastering Excel formulas to understanding the latest digital tools, this platform ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to work efficiently. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upskill log in today and start learning!

Our thanks goes to LMBU Electrical and the grounds team for working around all of the services, so that any disruption was avoided.

If you need a reminder on how to access the platform, just let Amanda Mac know, and she will resend instructions to you on an email.

Cheque Presentation To 2024 Charity Of The Year: Feed Up Warm Up In February, Austin’s Funeral Directors were delighted to present a cheque for £6,000 to local charity Feed Up Warm Up. The money had been donated to Austin’s by the local community and collected at our branches throughout 2024.

Pictured is Shane Cole, founder of Feed Up Warm Up, representatives of the charity along with Claire Austin and Maggie Bashforth of Austins Funeral Directors.

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www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

Issue 7 Grief Cafés Hosted By Nicola Martin Davis

Chamber Replacement at Harwood Park Over a six week period, 64 Harwood Vaults have been placed into the Trellis Gardens. Arlen Phypers, Deputy Head of Grounds at Harwood Park, with the help of Adam, Sam & Scott built the new Square 22, (32 Vaults) under the guidance of Nick Cuthbert.

To accompany her work officiating funerals for loved ones in our community, Nicola Martin-Davis hosts both in-person and virtual grief cafés.

Nicola’s virtual grief café offers peace, hope and meditation, and can be found on Facebook. The private group provides members with a safe space to express grief, share thoughts and feelings and explore alternative ways to heal.

Nicola also hosts a regular in-person cafe in the coffee lounge at Harwood Park Crematorium, for people who have reached out to her either through word of mouth or through her work as a funeral officiant.

As well as group meetings, Nicola offers bereavement recovery support on a 1:1 basis.

‘Thank you so much for such a positive meeting on Wednesday it was truly a great step forward and a few days with my daughter and family I feel so much better. I have laughed and joked with my grandson as normal for the first time since I lost my wife. You got us all talking and I was amazed at the time. I don’t know how long they are meant to last but time flew.

You are a consummate professional and you have got me on the road to normality and already looking back on the dark place I was in. My task now is not to fall back. Reproduced with kind permission of one of the members of the Grief Café.

More information about Nicola, her grief café’s and the services she provides can be found on her website: https://nicolamartindavis.co.uk

Following this, we informed all of the current owners, of Square 12 that we would be replacing the chambers for new ones, as the original cast chambers had dramatically weathered, and cleaning the stone made it more susceptible to weathering.

Early one morning Gary, Sam & Scott carefully transferred the ashes to the new Square 22. So the original square 12 could be razed to the ground and rebuilt. On the 13th February Gary, Sam & Scott, helped to carefully to return the ashes to their original position, in time for the 14th February.

Our thanks to all those involved.

Harwood Park Welcomes The Road Victims Trust On Wednesday, 26th February 2025, Harwood Park Crematorium had the privilege of hosting a visit for the Road Victims Trust (RVT). The RVT works in close partnership with the Police and HM Coroners, providing crucial support to bereaved families and anyone affected by road traffic fatalities.

The visit included a comprehensive all-areas tour of the crematorium, designed to help RVT counsellors gain deeper insight into the facilities and processes, enhancing the guidance and support they offer to those in need.

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As part of the visit, David Hall, Crematorium Superintendent, presented a cheque for £12,500 to the trust on behalf of Harwood Park.

This donation was made through the ICCM Recycling of Metals Scheme and will contribute to the vital work carried out by RVT’s highly skilled counsellors, who provide compassionate support to families in Hertfordshire following a tragic loss.

A special thank you to Jo Dawes (Harwood Park) and Amanda McArthur (Austin’s) for their efforts in organising and hosting the event.

The cheque was gratefully received

by Jenny Howard of the RVT.

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Our Charity for 2025: Young Lives vs Cancer At Austin’s Funeral Directors, our community is hugely important to us.

Each year we are proud to support a charity close to our hearts. Throughout 2025, our chosen charity is Young Lives vs Cancer.

This charity helps young people and their families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.

Now in its 20th year, its care teams provide specialist support across the UK. The impressive work of the Young Lives vs Cancer team and supporters is based on six core principles: Day-to-day support from the moment of diagnosis, including information guidance through to specialist play activities during treatment and clinical care.

Financial support by helping young people and their families to access essential financial support. (Parents spend almost £700 each month when their child has cancer.)

‘Homes from Home’ provides accommodation for families during treatment, keeping them together.

Nursing teams are available to offer personal care and support at home.

It’s crucial for teens and young adults to continue learning, build resilience, and regain confidence. The charity’s professionals work hard to limit the damage cancer can cause to learning and inspire a future beyond treatment.

Bereavement support is in place to help young cancer patients and families prepare for and cope with death.

Campaigning hard on behalf of young cancer patients and their families through extensive research and fighting for policy changes.

Taking on a challenge is one of the best ways for each of us to support Young Lives vs Cancer. The Austin’s team loves a challenge! (Four of our colleagues bravely faced a charity fire walk recently.) and in January, Claire recently completed a Winter Walk in aid of the charity.

Introducing Our New VoIP Telephone System We are excited to announce the rollout of a new VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone system across Austin’s Funeral Directors and Harwood Park Crematorium.

Following its successful implementation at Austin’s Head Office in February, the system will be introduced at Harwood Park Crematorium and all branch offices in March. This upgrade will provide a more flexible and efficient communication system to support our teams in their daily work.

Smooth Transition with Minimal Disruption. The switchover will

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be straightforward, with minimal impact on business operations. To ensure a smooth transition, Amanda Mac will provide in-person, one-toone training at each branch over a two-day period.

Additionally, training materials will be available for reference. We appreciate everyone’s

cooperation and patience during this transition. If you have any questions or require additional support, please speak to Amanda. This upgrade will enhance communication across all offices, benefiting both our staff and the families we serve.

www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

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Funeral Celebrant:

Al Mayfield

At the heart of a funeral service, stands the Funeral Officiant who guides the families through the process of honouring a loved one’s life. With empathy and eloquence, Funeral Officiants commemorate the individuality of the deceased, offering comfort and support to their loved ones.

Charlotte Roscow has a long established relationship with Austin’s and here she tells us a little about herself and what this vocation means to her:

religion. It was when I attended a celebrant-led ceremony that I realised that this is probably the kind of service most people would like; something that brings together their personal spirituality, elements of religious tradition, and music that meant something to them, going beyond a traditional funeral that you might have in a church. Of course, some people prefer to have a completely secular service - and I like to offer that too; it’s vital to put together exactly what each individual family wants.

Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspires you to do the work you do.

Every day reminds me what a privilege it is to be a funeral celebrant. To be trusted to lead families through the grieving, and healing, process when someone much-loved has died is a huge responsibility. I decided to become a celebrant after having worked in the Registration Service, which often meant conducting wedding ceremonies, and meeting recently bereaved family members who had come to register a death.

At that point in someone’s grieving process it’s all very fresh, and they’re having to make arrangements that perhaps they’ve never had to make before. They haven’t yet thought about the funeral at all, but those decisions are looming. So many families are torn between a church service, or something without any religion at all. But often those grieving would share with me that they didn’t want something totally without prayers, or perhaps their loved one had spiritual beliefs that didn’t quite fit into one

Talk to us about the service you offer the bereaved.

Before studying to be a lawyer, and later working as a registrar, I was an actor. And I’ve met some celebrants who have taken the same path.

I think it’s because when you are performing, you have to fully get-toknow a character, often someone real, and you’re responsible for presenting that person to the world. That isn’t so different from my approach to

STAFF BREAKFAST www.austins.co.uk

writing a funeral ceremony. I meet with the person’s family, sitting with them in their home or somewhere familiar, asking them to share significant stories about them, often looking at photographs or records of their achievements. I try to write down almost anything that a family tells me, even if it doesn’t seem as important, so that I write a ceremony completely unique to the person who has died. Over the following few days, I go back-and-forth with several family members, not just to make sure that it’s all accurate, but to ensure we are going to remember them in the way that they would have wanted.

When I started as an independent celebrant, I was very aware that I was stepping into a role previously and solely occupied by the clergy. Ministers are usually university educated and have a wide knowledge of both religious texts and English literature as a whole. They are knowledgeable in classical and church music and these days, contemporary popular music and artists. Therefore, I was very aware that these were big shoes to fill and to work alongside. Interestingly, my family has a long history of having been members of the Clergy, with my three times Great Uncle even being appointed as Chaplain to Queen Victoria! So yes, I knew that to be taken seriously, I would need to step up to the plate and provide the same high standards and knowledge when assisting families.

In your opinion, how has the profession changed over the years.

Talking to a bereaved family, whether you are a funeral arranger or a

Tuesday 11th March.

Lolo’s Café Bistro. Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00 am

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INDUSTRY NEWS Unclaimed Ashes The ashes of up to 300,000 people remain unclaimed at Funeral Directors across the UK, according to an industry group.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) come up with the estimate in response to a consultation by the Law Commission, which is seeking to make broad reforms to the law of burial and cremation in England and Wales.

The Law Commission proposes that if a Funeral Director has not heard from the next of kin for four weeks, they should have the right to return the ashes to the crematorium.

It is said that such legislation should

be retrospective to apply to all the ashes the Funeral Directors have accumulated over the years.

Rachel Bradburne, the director of external affairs for the NAFD, said: “There needs to be something put in place going forward so the backlog doesn’t build up and the Law Commission’s suggestion seems very sensible.

‘There also then needs to be an additional solution, which is how to address this additional legacy, the ashes if you like.”

She said solutions could include “mass scatterings” or events to properly handle their dispersal. ‘

The 2025 LAFD President’s Banquet and Ball On Saturday, 15th February, the London Association of Funeral Directors (LAFD) President, Gary Valentine-Fuller, hosted this year’s prestigious President’s Ball at The Sheraton Hotel in London.

Representing Austin’s Family Funeral Directors were Claire and Peter Hope, who attended alongside friends and the Austin’s senior management team.

The evening was a perfect blend of elegance, camaraderie, and entertainment.

Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared threecourse meal, punctuated by lively performances. The night also featured poignant moments of reflection, with heartfelt toasts made in memory of absent friends, past Presidents, and the Executive Committee.

A highlight of the event was the charity address, which underscored the importance of giving back.

The celebrations continued with a live band, filling the dance floor well into the early hours. Beyond being a cherished social occasion, the President’s Ball serves as a vital fundraiser for the LAFD President’s

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chosen charity.

The annual event provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the funeral profession to reconnect, relax, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Austin’s Funeral Directors is proud to have been part of such a special evening.

www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

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STAFF UPDATES Meet the Care Team: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes When we think of funeral care, we often picture the friendly faces of our Funeral Administrators, Conductors and Bearers, but there’s another dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every person in our care is treated with dignity and respect.

At the heart of our operations, our mortuary-based Care Team plays a crucial role in ensuring that every individual is prepared with the utmost care and professionalism.

Let’s get to know the people behind this vital work!

Neil At the helm of the Care Team is Neil, who expertly leads the department while also furthering his professional development he is currently studying for his Embalming Qualification.

His leadership ensures that every aspect of care runs smoothly, and his passion for the role means he is always striving for the highest standards.

Michael Alongside his role in the mortuary, Michael also serves as a Funeral

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Conductor, guiding services with professionalism and care. His dual role allows him to provide support both behind the scenes and on the day of the funeral, ensuring everything runs smoothly for the families we serve.

Lucy Bringing both skill and dedication, Lucy is a key member of the Care Team, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs efficiently. She is meticulous in her work and plays a vital part in making sure those entrusted to our care receive the utmost respect and attention. Lucy’s role as a Funeral Operative also includes working as a bearer when needed.

Kyle Working alongside Lucy, Kyle is always ready to step in and assist where needed, as another key member of the Care Team. His attention to detail and dedication ensure that all behind-the-scenes processes are carried out smoothly and respectfully.

Chelsea A recent addition to the team, Chelsea has made the transition from Head Office Receptionist to Mortuary Assistant, a move that reflects her commitment to the profession and her willingness to take on new challenges. Her organisational skills and compassionate nature make her a valuable addition to the team.

Support from the Operations Team The Care Team’s work can be intense, particularly during busy periods.

Thankfully, they’re supported by members of the Operations Team, who step in to assist whenever extra hands are needed. Whether it’s helping with transfers, ensuring logistics run smoothly, or lending support during peak times, their teamwork is invaluable in keeping everything running seamlessly.

This collaboration between the Care Team and Operations Team ensures that no matter how busy things get, every individual in our care is treated with the highest level of professionalism and respect.

A Huge Thank You! The work of the Care Team is often unseen, but it is absolutely essential. Their dedication, skill, and compassion ensure that every person is prepared with dignity, giving families peace of mind during difficult times. They truly are the unsung heroes of our profession!

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Hip Hip Hoorray!

inspiring, and we are thrilled to see her back in action!

Kerry Returns to Work After Major Surgery

During Kerry’s absence, Danny Nye, Assistant Operations Manager, stepped up to cover her role, doing an outstanding job ensuring everything ran smoothly. A huge thank you to Danny for his hard work and commitment during this time. Now, with Kerry fully ensconced back in her role, we’re all looking forward to having her expertise, leadership, and warm presence in the office once again. Welcome back, Kerry – we’ve missed you!

In January, we were delighted to welcome back Kerry Hall, who has returned to her role as Operations Manager at Head Office after undergoing major surgery in December.

Kerry had a hip replacement and spent six weeks recovering at home, regaining her strength and mobility. Her dedication and resilience have been truly

From Reception to the Care Team: Chelsea’s Exciting New Chapter After supporting visitors to Head Office, directing calls, and being the welcoming face of Head Office Reception, Chelsea embarked on a new journey in January - one that takes her behind the scenes into an essential and highly specialised role as a Mortuary Assistant in the Care Team.

Chelsea’s move is a fantastic example of career progression within the company, demonstrating how transferable skills and dedication can open new doors. While the transition from Reception to the Care Team may seem like a big shift, her strong organisational skills, professionalism, and natural empathy will undoubtedly serve her well in this new position.

person entrusted to us is treated with the utmost respect. From assisting with preparation and procedures to working closely with the wider team, she will be making a meaningful impact every day.

A Warm Congratulations Chelsea’s transition is an inspiring reminder that career growth doesn’t always follow a straight path; it’s about following interests, embracing challenges, and developing new skills.

We wish her the very best as she embarks on this exciting journey at Austin’s.

Why the Change?

Chelsea has always been passionate about the care and dignity of those we serve. Her new role will allow her to play an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring that each

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You Kept that Quiet, Lee! Lee Masters, was recently spotted showcasing his acting talent in a local amateur theatre performance. We look forward to seeing where his acting journey takes him next!

Tuesday 11th March.

Lolo’s Café Bistro. Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00 am

www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

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Caroline’s New Chapter: From Mobile to Hitchin’s Permanent Funeral Administrator After excelling in her role as a Mobile Funeral Administrator, Caroline is making an exciting move - she will now be permanently based at our Hitchin branch office as its dedicated Funeral Administrator.

For many, Caroline has been a familiar face across multiple branches over the past two years, providing invaluable support wherever needed.

Her adaptability, attention to detail, and warm approach have made her an integral part of the team. Now, she’ll be bringing that same level of expertise and care to the Hitchin office, where she’ll play a key role in supporting families, managing arrangements, and ensuring every service is handled with professionalism and compassion.

WHY HITCHIN? Following the inimitable Jackie Brown’s retirement, this move provides

Getting to Know Rebecca: Settling into Her Role as Head Office Receptionist Since joining us in January, Rebecca Manning has settled seamlessly into her role as Head Office Receptionist, bringing warmth, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to her work.

Families visiting our Letchmore Road chapels of rest have expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude for her kindness and support during their visits. Her reassuring presence and dedication have already made a meaningful impact, reflecting the values we hold dear.

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Caroline with the opportunity to continue to build on the strong relationships Jackie forged with local families and work closely with the local community. Having already worked for Austin’s for the past two years, she brings a wealth of experience and insights that will continue to ensure the branch’s excellent reputation in the Hitchin area.

A WELL-DESERVED TRANSITION Caroline’s transition from a mobile role to a permanent position is a testament to her hard work and dedication. We have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her new role, bringing her signature warmth and efficiency to the Hitchin office.

Rebecca comes to us with a wealth of experience, having qualified and worked as a teacher in the UK before moving to Dubai to teach.

There, she specialised in providing care to children with special needs, including supporting them through bereavement. Her background has given her a deep understanding of care, empathy, and emotional support, ensuring every family she interacts with feels valued and comforted.

As part of her induction to Austins, Rebecca has visited all branch offices, met with funeral administrators, spent time at Harwood Park Crematorium, and accompanied the funeral operative team on services. This handson experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of our work, enabling her to provide even greater support to both colleagues and families.

We are delighted to have Rebecca as part of our team and look forward to seeing her continue to flourish in her role.

Welcome to the Team: Deborah In February, We were delighted to welcome Deborah as our new Mobile Funeral Administrator.

Deborah joins us with a wealth of funeral administration experience, having successfully managed her own branch in Hoddesdon for over 10 years, building a strong reputation in the community.

In her new role, Deborah will provide vital support and cover for our branch funeral administrators during periods of absence, ensuring continuity and a high standard of service across all locations.

To help her settle in, Deborah is currently undergoing a structured and focused induction programme, which has included time at Head Office, Harwood Park Crematorium, and attending funeral services alongside our Funeral Operatives.

She has also been spending time in each of our branch offices, getting to know her colleagues in the Mobile Administration Team, as well as the wider Austin’s and Harwood Park staff.

Outside of work, Deborah is married to Simon, who is a member of the Operations team – we do like to keep it in the family! We look forward to learning more about her as she settles into her role. Please join us in giving Deborah a warm welcome to the team!

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Stuart’s Photos Thank you Stuart for continuing to provide us with a selection of your photos. As a sign of our appreciation, a £25 gift voucher will be heading your way!

STAFF BREAKFAST 10

Tuesday 11th March.

Lolo’s Café Bistro. Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00 am

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March, 2025 Photo Competition And the Winner is … David Hall demonstrating his hidden talent for artistic photography (watch out Stuart!) Can you guess what this is a photo of? Answers on a postcard please!

Issue 7 Volunteering Opportunities Kerry Hall is still ‘scouting’ (excuse the pun) for volunteers to help with the Scouting cause! If you‘re interested in giving young people a skill for life, drop her an email at Kerry.hall@ stevenagescouting.org.uk And please do remember, all staff at Austin’s have the opportunity to receive 8 paid hours each year to support a registered charity or community cause. Please speak with your line manager if you would like to take advantage of this scheme.

Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone: Amanda Paine’s 60th Blood Donation A special thank you to Kelly for a photo of her new dog, the gorgeous Mimi. Mimi was recently rehomed by Kelly and her family. Here she is proudly modelling her Christmas attire!

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This February, we proudly celebrated Amanda Paine’s incredible achievement of donating blood for the 60th time! Amanda’s dedication to giving blood is truly inspiring, demonstrating a deep commitment to helping others and saving lives.

Regular blood donations are vital for hospitals and patients in need, and Amanda’s contributions over the years have undoubtedly made a significant difference. Reaching this milestone is no small feat, and we commend her selflessness and generosity.

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CELEBRATIONS Birthday Wishes to: MARCH

Congratulations Chelsea!

Neil

Alan

Izzy

Rob

Sharon

John

Congratulations Caroline!

APRIL

June

Chelsea Whaymand on her new position as Mortuary Assistant.

Caroline Green who will be based at our Hitchin branch.

Lee

Richard

Malcolm

Congratulations Simon!

Congratulations to Simon on his welldeserved promotion to Funeral Conductor.

Stuart

David

MAY

Gary

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Amanda

Maggie

Nicola

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Austin’s and Harwood Park for giving Deborah and Bec such a warm welcome and helping them settle into their new roles. Your kindness and support have made a real difference as they find their feet.

www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

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Work Anniversaries

New Starters

MARCH

Claire

Gary

Hayley

Julie

27 years on 31st, March

27 Years on 2nd March

9 years on 14th March

16 years on 2nd March

Deborah

Rebecca

Mobile Funeral Arranger

Head Office Receptionist

A special mention goes to Jane for her invaluable guidance and support during Deborah’s induction period—your help has been greatly appreciated!

Neil

Stuart

Nick

13 years on 12th March

1 year on 4th March

28 years on 10th March

Maggie

Chelsea

Rob

Adam

Malcolm

4 years on 6th April

3 years on 4th April

9 years on 18th April

2 years on 25th April

6 years on 1st April

Thank you all for embodying the teamwork and camaraderie that make Austin’s such a wonderful place to work.

APRIL

MAY

Farewell Jackie!

Tina

Amanda

6 years on 7th May

2 years on 9th May

Jo

Kath

2 years on 15th May

10 years on 26th May

www.austins.co.uk

We say a fond farewell to Jackie Brown who has been the face of Austin’s in Hitchin for nearly 17 years.

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BREAK TIME This Spring themed word wheel is made from a 9 letter Spring themed word. Try and find that word, then make as many words of any length as you can from these letters. You can only use each letter once, and each word must include the letter B.

WORD SEARCH Birds Growth Warmth Flowers

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Renewal Blooming Greenery Sunshine

www.austins.co.uk

March, 2025

Issue 7

WELL BEING AT WORK Understanding Blue Light and Its Impact on Wellbeing: How Your Screens Might Be Affecting Your Health – Without You Even Realising Imagine this: It’s late at night, you’re lying in bed scrolling through your phone, telling yourself “just one more post.” Before you know it, an hour has passed, and when you finally put your phone down, sleep feels impossible.

Sound familiar?

In today’s digital world, we are constantly bathed in artificial light, particularly blue light from our screens. Whether at work, at home, or even on the go, we spend countless hours in front of devices that may be impacting our sleep, eye health, and overall wellbeing.

But what is blue light, and how does it really affect us? While it plays an essential role in keeping us alert and regulating our body clocks, too much of it - especially at the wrong times can lead to sleep disruption, eye strain, and even long-term health concerns.

This article explores both the benefits and risks of blue light exposure, how to manage screen time effectively, as well as practical strategies to protect your wellbeing in our tech-driven world.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy, shortwavelength light that is part of the visible light spectrum. It occurs naturally in sunlight and helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. However, modern artificial sources - such as LED screens, fluorescent lighting, and digital devices - also emit significant amounts of blue light.

Unlike other types of light, blue light penetrates deep into the eye, reaching the retina. While natural exposure during the day is beneficial, excessive exposure from artificial sources, particularly at night, can have unintended consequences for our health.

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The Benefits of Blue Light Exposure Despite growing concerns, blue light is not inherently harmful. In fact, it plays a vital role in our daily functioning: 1.

Enhances Alertness and Cognitive Function Blue light helps increase alertness and cognitive performance by suppressing melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This makes it beneficial during the daytime, particularly in workplace settings where focus and productivity are required.

A 2023 study found that exposure to blue light during the morning helps improve reaction times, working memory, and overall mental performance. This is why natural daylight is preferred in offices and schools to enhance concentration.

2. Regulates the Body’s Circadian Rhythm Our circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, typically over a 24hour period. Natural blue light from the sun helps keep this cycle aligned by signalling to our body when it’s time to be awake and alert.

Without sufficient exposure to daylight, people can experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - a type of depression linked to reduced daylight during winter months. We have covered this disorder in an earlier edition of The Bearer. According to the NHS, light therapy, which mimics natural blue light, is often used to help alleviate SAD symptoms.

The Negative Effects of Excessive Blue Light Exposure While blue light has benefits,

excessive exposure (especially in the evening), can contribute to several health issues.

Sleep Disruption and Poor Sleep Quality One of the most widely studied effects of blue light is its impact on sleep.

Artificial blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.

A study by Oxford University found that individuals who used screens for extended periods before bedtime took longer to fall asleep and experienced lower-quality rest. Sleep deprivation has a knock-on effect, contributing to fatigue, reduced concentration, and even long-term health risks such as heart disease and obesity.

How to Reduce Night-time Blue Light Exposure: Avoid screens for at least one hour before bedtime.

Enable “night mode” or blue light filters on devices.

Use warm, dim lighting in the evening instead of bright LED lights.

2. Eye Strain and Digital Eye Fatigue Staring at screens for extended periods can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome.

Symptoms include: • Dry or irritated eyes • Blurred vision • Headaches • Difficulty focusing According to the College of Optometrists UK, prolonged screen use reduces blinking, which in turn dries out the eyes. While blue light does not directly cause eye disease, excessive exposure can exacerbate discomfort and strain.

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3. Consider Blue Light Blocking Glasses While their effectiveness is debated, some people find blue light glasses helpful in reducing digital eye strain.

If you spend extended hours on a screen, investing in a pair may be worth trying.

4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed Reducing screen exposure at least one hour before bedtime can significantly improve sleep quality.

Instead, opt for reading a book or engaging in relaxation techniques before sleep.

Tips for Reducing Eye Strain: Adjust screen brightness to match ambient lighting.

Use artificial tears to prevent dryness.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Potential Long-Term Risks for Eye Health Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest prolonged exposure to high-intensity blue light may contribute to retinal damage over time.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists states that while current evidence does not conclusively link blue light to macular degeneration, it is still advisable to moderate screen exposure where possible.

How to Manage Blue Light Exposure for Better Wellbeing While we can’t entirely avoid blue light in today’s world, we can take steps to minimise its negative effects: 1. Increase Exposure to Natural Light Spending more time outdoors during daylight hours can help balance the effects of artificial blue light. Natural light exposure helps maintain circadian rhythm, reducing the likelihood of sleep disturbances.

2. Use Blue Light Filters and Night Mode on Devices Most modern devices have a “night mode” or blue light filter setting. These modes reduce the amount of blue light emitted in the evening.

In conclusion, blue light is an unavoidable part of modern life, but understanding its impact allows us to take proactive steps to protect our wellbeing. While blue light exposure during the day can enhance alertness and cognitive function, excessive exposure—especially at night—can disrupt sleep, cause eye strain, and potentially affect long-term health.

By implementing simple strategies such as limiting screen time before bed, using blue light filters, and prioritising natural daylight exposure, we can maintain a healthy balance and improve our overall wellbeing.

Reference source articles can be found online at University of Surrey www.surrey.ac.uk, NHS www.nhs. uk, Oxford University www.ox.ac.uk, College of Optometrists UK www. college-optometrists.org, Royal College of Ophthalmologists www. rcophth.ac.uk.

WELLBEING CHAMPIONS Our Wellbeing Champions are here to support you with any wellbeing questions you may have, offering guidance, a listening ear, and helpful resources to ensure you feel supported both in and out of the workplace.

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