Hi, I'm Louise

Image of Louise Forty

Thank you for your interest in Humanist Ceremonies and for considering me as your celebrant.

I have experienced many losses and know how important it is to have a good funeral - to acknowledge the person who has died, to celebrate their life and to provide an opportunity for people to come together to share in their loss and love.

I recognise that there are often mixed emotions within families when somebody dies and consider myself to be compassionate and non-judgemental in working with different family dynamics. I am very practical and pragmatic in managing situations and will help move things forward in a sensitive, sensible and respectful manner. I feel strongly that people should be kind to one another and I have tried to live my life being true to that philosophy. I have been an advocate - representing the wishes of others and saying words on behalf of others - all of my adult life and have lots of experience of walking alongside people at emotionally demanding times.

 

After training as a Humanist Celebrant in 2016, I work closely with my friend and colleague, Sonya Soundy, under the name of Heartfelt Ceremonies. We are both accredited, experienced, humanist celebrants and have had the privilege to work with many, many families, creating meaningful, personal ceremonies. We offer a supportive and unified approach. Although we are both down to earth, we each draw from different backgrounds and experiences. Our normal practice is for one of us to lead your ceremony with background assistance from the other. For one fixed fee you receive the benefits of two qualified, professional celebrants.

We know the importance of a funeral or memorial for your loved one. Each person is unique and has touched the world and people in it in some unique way. Our approach is a gentle one, accepting people where they are. We can help you say farewell to your loved one in a dignified, personal manner. We will listen to your ideas and, without pushiness or judgement, help you to create a heartfelt ceremony. We will include the things that are important to you and support you throughout the process with empathy and patience, gentleness and flexibility.

 

Whether you are expecting a very well attended ceremony or a quiet, intimate gathering, we would be honoured to help you say a fitting goodbye to your loved one.

Nobody knows what happens after death so let’s focus on life and what we do know –that life is precious and fragile and should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Thank you so much again for a wonderful ceremony. It was my dad in particular who was very moved by it. Personally, that was very important to me and gives me great comfort that he liked it so much.  I thought it was brilliant what you put together.     

— Jess

 I'd just like to say that the ceremony that you conducted was very lovely and heartfelt and personal, it was a beautiful send off.

— Ursula

Just mailing to say ‘thank-you’ - your empathy and care on Wednesday and all through our previous conversations, so much appreciated. We were so blessed that it was you leading us. I hope we’ll meet again  

— Julie

Thank you Louise for all your hard work, you have done a first class job - absolutely perfect.

— Valerie

 A heartfelt thank you. Today was lovely. Respect.

— Claire

Image of Louise Forty

Louise Forty

Where I work

We cover all Devon districts & occasionally go into Somerset. We also cover natural burial sites such as Crossways, Great Bradley Cottage, Sharpham Meadow & Fevin Nature reserve. Memorial services can be provided at various locations across Devon.

Fees from...

£220 - £300 depending on distances involved.

How to contact me
Email

heartfeltceremonies@outlook.com

Website

humanist.org.uk/louiseforty

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.