Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.
What they do
Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
About Us
Safe Hands Funeral Services is an independent funeral directors, in Storrington West Sussex, which focuses on the individual and creating a memorable funeral to truly befit the person who has passed. They offer a fresh approach, in modern welcoming premises. There to listen to your wishes to help facilitate and provide a memorable, affordable funeral, individually tailored to suit you and your loved ones needs.
They can provide both a traditional or modern service, and will work with you to achieve the most fitting funeral for you and for the person who has passed. They encourage and support family participation and will allow time and space to enable a meaningful personal farewell. They won’t ask you to fit into a standard package, instead they will help you create the bespoke funeral you want. The service can, but doesn't have to take place in a church or crematorium, it can be in a barn, woodland, field or even your own garden. They also have their own on site service room 'Forge Chapel' which can comfortably accommodate 20 attendees and the service can also be attended remotely via the internet.
Prepaid funeral plans provided by one of the most entrusted providers 'Golden Leaves' are available for those wishing to plan ahead and have the funeral of their choosing, which helps alleviate some of the stress caused to those left behind, having to make decisions on your behalf.
Many families emphasize how Penny and her team guided them through the funeral arrangements with both professionalism and warmth, listening carefully to their wishes and handling every decision with patience and sensitivity. Families frequently describe feeling supported throughout the process, with Penny remaining available to answer questions and offer advice without rushing them, even through emotionally overwhelming times like sudden loss or loss of a young person.
On the day of the funeral itself, families consistently note that services ran smoothly and reflected their loved one's life and personality. Many mention the chapel at Safe Hands as a calm, intimate setting, and several highlight the celebrant choices and flowers as particularly thoughtful touches that contributed to a meaningful occasion.
Communication and attention to detail emerge repeatedly: families value how Penny responds promptly to queries, explains options clearly, makes helpful suggestions, and ensures nothing is overlooked—from the order of service booklets to practical arrangements made on their behalf. Several families note they felt genuinely cared for rather than treated as transactions, and a number mention returning to Safe Hands for subsequent family funerals.
This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.
Verified Reviews
Verified Reviews
5Claire Mann15th Dec 2025
Penny was just perfect at a very hard time. She is very warm, compassionate and caring. The celebrant she arranged, Claire, was also perfect for us. The service and celebration of dad’s life would have been exactly what dad wanted. I would thoroughly recommend Penny to everyone. X
5Paula Bailie15th Dec 2025
Penny was extremely helpful, offering lots of advice and ideas. She helped us create a Celebration that was very special and appreciated by all who attended.
A comforting memory, thank you Penny.
5Liz Green1st Dec 2025
We felt very safe leaving everything in Penny’s hands. The celebrant she introduced us to was excellent, the flowers were beautiful, the chapel was comfortable and everyone was put at ease. From the very first phone call to the last piece of music Penny and her team were there for us. I would highly recommend Safe Hands, the lovely little chapel and all the team.
5Rececca Du-Cann21st Nov 2025
This is the second time that Penny has meticulously planned a funeral for me. She is so kind and honest, gives superb advice and matches the celebrant and venue perfectly to your needs. I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind words Rebecca. It was an honour to support you and you family again. I am so pleased that everything came together in the way you hoped. Your trust and recommendation is deeply appreciated. (In the nicest possible way, I hope you don't need to use my services again for a very long time). Warm regards Penny
5Jakub Blackman29th Oct 2025
Penny and her staff did an excellent job organising my mother's funeral. Penny is extremely attentive, understanding and respectful. Our family were hugely appreciative of all her efforts. All our guests commented on how well the funeral had been arranged. We highly recommend her services.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Jacub, for your kind words & recommendation, very much appreciated. It was an honour to look after your family. I am so pleased to hear you received such comments. Warmest regards Penny & Team
5Keith Vigar24th Oct 2025
Being the first funeral that we have had to organise added to the fact that we had lost our precious young son, Penny and the team at Safe Hands could not have provided any better service for us. We are and forever will be grateful for their kindness and attention all the way through the process. They are amazing!
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for your incredibly kind words Keith & Camilla. I cannot begin to express how sorry I am for the loss of your precious son. It was truly an honour to support young your family during such a difficult time. Always here for you. Penny x
5Samantha Mithchell11th Oct 2025
Thank you Penny and Adam for your wonderful care, love and support.
Our mum Anne and grandma was wonderfully looked after by you all.
Love Sam and all the family xxxx
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Sam, what a privilege it was for us to have looked after both your Mum and Dad, now reunited. Love Penny and Adam xx
5Bridie Anderson23rd Sep 2025
‘Thank you’ does not seem enough to express just how deeply grateful I am for how Safe hands/Penny have supported me in saying goodbye to my husband Steve. The service went so beautifully, everything they do and how they do it just transforms the worst event of life into such a peaceful, meaningful and special event – that is such a gift.
Joe the celebrant was perfect too, how right they were to choose him!
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Bridie for your lovely words. Such a privilege to support you and to look after Steve. So glad you were pleased with everything. Always here if you need anything. Warmest wishes. Penny & team.
5Ian Petrie17th Sep 2025
Very caring and professional attention given by Penny and Helen whenever there was a question or alteration that needed to be addressed. Penny was always there in the background to make sure that everything went smoothly but also to ensure that all the family and friends on this most difficult of days, were able to give a loved one a special ‘send off’.
5Francis Carr9th Sep 2025
Penny and the team at Safe Hands offer a truly exceptional service. Professional attention to detail, coupled with a caring approach, make the planning of a sad occasion more bearable. The choice of celebrant was inspired, and Tony Petras could not have been more helpful or eloquent. I am delighted that I selected Penny and her colleagues for my wife's final send-off; they are, indeed, Safe Hands.
5Simon Thornley8th Sep 2025
Penny conducted my sister’s beloved sister’s funeral with great sensitivity. It went off very well and her suggestions all improved it. I am very grateful and would wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of them.
5Theresa Gilsenan6th Sep 2025
Superb, caring, professional and sympathetic -highly recommend Penny and her team. Thank goodness Camilla sent us to you in such a difficult time, we know that we gave Anthony a wonderful send off which he so deserved.
5Alex Bloom28th Jul 2025
Safe Hands delivered all you could ask for for a funeral service, and more. Penny went above and beyond to make sure everything little detail was taken care of and helped organize a beautiful service for my wife. I highly recommend.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Alex. It was a privilege to be part of Carina's service. Always here if you need anything. Warm wishes Penny
5Ann Salmon15th Jun 2025
Both Penny and Helen were business like and efficient, but with the sympathy necessary in this very difficult job. Penny sorted out a wonderful uplifting funeral for my husband, and helped or guided me with very difficult decisions ~ and how many decisions! Planning a funeral is one of the most complex things I have had to do and she was with me all the way. The family liked the company too.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Ann, thank you so much for your kind words, so glad you were pleased with the service and to hear we helped & guided you to achieve an uplifting service for Tony. Warmest wishes Penny & Helen.
5Helen Boniface25th May 2025
Penny was amazing.
She gently encouraged us to make the right decisions and the small chapel on site was perfect for such a tiny funeral.
It also enabled us to hold the gathering at quite short notice and Penny and her team worked so hard to put everything together in a short space of time.
We are so grateful for all their efforts, it was a lovely farewell. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for your wonderful review Helen. I am glad we were able to accommodate your wishes for the service to be turned around in a short time, with yours and your sisters help, we made a very personal service for Pamela. So glad you were pleased with everything. Warm wishes Penny
5Melanie Winters-Holmes13th May 2025
Totally wonderful service caring supportive and professional
Made this incredibly difficult time smooth and was able to think outside the box for our needs
Thank you x
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Mel,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind review, at this difficult time, we really do appreciate it. Together we created a very fitting send off for Thomas.
Sending hugs and warm wishes Penny x
5Gil Schaeffer4th May 2025
Penny and the team at Safe Hands have been brilliant from start to finish. Helpful, sympathetic, and I can not praise them high enough. Communications from Helen was top notch. Joe, The celebrant was fantastic. The options to personalize the service made my father's passing a lovely experience. I will certainly recommend them.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Gil, really appreciate you taking the time to leave your wonderful review. I am so pleased to hear that you were happy with every aspect. With warm wishes Penny and the team.
5Deborah Cable3rd May 2025
Amazing the whole experience was exceptional, the team were so friendly, helpful and supportive, at the most difficult and sad time we found they eased every part of the preparation Penny was outstanding and honestly could not of been more helpful.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your lovely review Deborah, really appreciate you taking the time to do so. So glad you were pleased with everything, I think it was the perfect farewell for Flo.
Warmest wishes Penny
5Marah Bowron5th Apr 2025
I would thoroughly recommend Penny; she is very caring and it's a a lovely environment as well. You certainly feel that you're in 'safe hands'...
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind comments Marah. So pleased you felt this way.
Always here if you need anything, Warm wishes Penny
5John Atkinson26th Mar 2025
Penny at Safe Hands helped us professionally and personally cope with the process of our Father's funeral. She was empathetic and caring and I can definitely recommend Safe Hands to care for your loved one's funeral arrangements beautifully.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your kind review John. An honour and privilege to be able to look after your family again. Thank you.
Warm wishes penny
5Elisabeth Cordingley24th Mar 2025
Caring, Respectful, above and beyond.
Thank you
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Elisabeth, always here if you need anything. Penny
5Holly Gurney11th Mar 2025
In this extremely difficult time, our family could not have been happier with the service we received.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Holly, A real honour for me to look after your Dad, and your family again. Such a beautiful service. With warmest wishes Penny
5Louise Crabb2nd Mar 2025
Penny was so amazing at her job ,every litte detail was deliverd ,she was very soothing in this difficult time ,and I would highly recommend them
Lou crabb
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Lou for entrusting Darren into my care, so glad you did and we were able to deliver exactly the service Darren had himself planned with me and wanted. What an honour and privilege for me. Warmest wishes Penny
5Cheryll Allison28th Feb 2025
Penny and her team were so easy to deal with during a very emotional and difficult time. Their kindness and empathy was very much appreciated and my mother's funeral was so well organised. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Cheryll,
What a privilege it has been to look after your family and both your parents.
Thank you for your kind review. Best wishes Penny
5Chris Walls25th Feb 2025
Absolutely amazing service from start to finish.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Chris, so glad to hear you were pleased with every aspect of the service.
Address
The Forge 38 West St Storrington Pulborough RH20 4EE
Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.
What they do
Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
Latest Verified Reviews
Claire Mann15th Dec 2025
Penny was just perfect at a very hard time. She is very warm, compassionate and caring. The celebrant she arranged, Claire, was also perfect for us. The service and celebration of dad’s life would have been exactly what dad wanted. I would thoroughly recommend Penny to everyone. X
Paula Bailie15th Dec 2025
Penny was extremely helpful, offering lots of advice and ideas. She helped us create a Celebration that was very special and appreciated by all who attended.
A comforting memory, thank you Penny.
Liz Green1st Dec 2025
We felt very safe leaving everything in Penny’s hands. The celebrant she introduced us to was excellent, the flowers were beautiful, the chapel was comfortable and everyone was put at ease. From the very first phone call to the last piece of music Penny and her team were there for us. I would highly recommend Safe Hands, the lovely little chapel and all the team.
NAFD Member