Free funeral service for a child
If you have lost a child, we're here to support you. We offer free cremation services in London for those under 16.
Children's funerals
If you're reading this because you have lost a child, we're sorry. Know that we're here to support and guide you at this very difficult time.
We want to do everything we can to ease the burden of your loss. That's why we offer free funerals for babies and children under the age of 16.
This service includes everything in our full cremation package. It means all the details are covered, so you can say goodbye in a way that feels right for you.
Most importantly, it means having a guiding hand and a listening ear. With Akshardham Funeral Directors (AFD), you can expect to be treated with compassion, professionalism and patience at every step.
Free cremation services: what's included
Collecting your child and looking after them until the funeral
Handling all the relevant paperwork
Optional hygienic treatment (embalming)
Washing and dressing your child for the funeral (you can help with this if you want to)
A coffin for the funeral service
Time with your child in our chapel of rest before the funeral
One-hour funeral service at the venue of your choice
A hearse (funeral car) and attendant
Collecting the ashes after the funeral
Please note that burial and grave charges and cremation and doctors' fees are not included. If you want to personalise the funeral with optional extras, these will also come at an extra cost.
For more information, see our
full pricing breakdown.
How we support you
When you arrange a funeral with us, you can expect to be treated with care, compassion and dignity.
We're here to guide you through the process, listen to your needs and help you make decisions that feel right for you and your child. We'll never rush you or push you to make certain choices. You'll get all the time you need to decide how to say goodbye.
And as a multi-faith funeral home, we understand and respect your religious needs. Whether you want a traditional funeral or something unique, you can rely on us to be a guiding light at this very difficult time.
Where to find us
You'll find our funeral home in Edgware (northern Greater London) – but we support families throughout the London area.

Please feel free to send us a message, give us a call or visit us in person. You can always expect a warm welcome and a listening ear.
Your questions answered
Do you pay for a child's funeral?
Each funeral director has its own policy on children's funerals. At AFD, we provide a full cremation service at no charge to those who have lost a child under the age of 16.
This service covers everything in our adult cremation package. That includes arranging the venue, handling paperwork and organising the funeral ceremony. You can see a full list of what's included here.
Our free cremation service doesn't include burial, grave charges, doctors' and crematorium fees or any optional extras.
If you need help paying for these, you may be able to get help from the government's Children's Funeral Fund. You can learn more about that below.
What financial help is available from the government?
If you need help to pay for your child's funeral, you may be able to access financial support from the government.
Two government schemes are available for parents and guardians in England – the Funeral Expenses Payment and the Children's Funeral Fund.
The Funeral Expenses Payment is available to people on certain benefits. It covers some of the funeral expenses, including burial fees, travel costs and funeral director fees.
The Children's Funeral Fund covers some of the costs of a funeral service for a child under 18. However, unlike the Funeral Expenses Payment, it's available to everyone – not just those on certain benefits.
Where can I get help to cope with my loss?
Remember that you don't have to go through grief alone. There are several UK charities that specialise in supporting parents and guardians who have lost a child.
The Lullaby Trust runs a bereavement support helpline for families and loved ones of children who have died.
Child Bereavement UK helps all those affected by the death of a child, including offering specialised support for bereaved children.
Cruse Bereavement Support runs a helpline and provides one-to-one support for all people who need help coping with grief.
