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
5Peter Deacon31st Jan 2025
This was the second time using safe hands and as ever Penny went out of her way and beyond so helpful,caring . I just don’t have words to describe how much she helps all the way through the process. I would always recommend her services thank you so much for looking after our mum 🙏🏻
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Peter for taking the time to leave your lovely review, I really do appreciate it. It has been an honour to look after your family again.Warmest wishes Penny
5Anthony Lahaise28th Jan 2025
I was very pleased with every aspect of the service provided. Penny was very kind and helpful throughout. The service was perfect and a number of my friends commented afterwards that it was the best funeral they had ever attended, even though the circumstances were extremely sad for all who were there. Penny also recommended a wonderful chaplain who conducted the service so well.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Tony, for taking the time to leave your lovely review and such wonderful feedback on comments. We really do appreciate it. Always here if we can help. Best wishes Penny
5Ann Lagerkrans28th Jan 2025
Penny and the Safe Hands team were simply amazing when my mum died recently. From the time of the initial phone call to Penny, I knew that we had made the right choice for mum's funeral director. Penny was calm, kind and reassuring.
During the meeting to discuss mum's wishes and options, Penny was so kind and empathetic, so human in her approach, there was no sense of being rushed and with her help we decided upon the best service and options for mum, personal to her and in line with what she would have wanted. We decided to view mum a few days later and again, this was undertaken calmly and kindly, with no sense of being rushed, and we had plenty of time just to sit with mum and say our goodbyes.
We decided to have the actual service in Forge Chapel at Safe Hands and I am so glad we did as Penny and her team looked after everything, and us, superbly. Everything was managed brilliantly and sensitively.
Choosing Safe Hands as mum's funeral director was the best decision we could have made. I knew that they were independent from the big chains and I hoped therefore that mum, and we, would be treated as an individual and a family- and that is exactly what happened.
It is not easy in the fog of grief to make good decisions but by making that initial decision to engage Penny and the Safe Hands team, subsequent decisions became much easier thanks to her support and guidance. I will always be so grateful to Penny and her team for making a difficult and sad situation much easier to navigate. I have would highly recommend Safe Hands to anyone in the sad and difficult position of choosing a funeral director, they will take good care of your loved one, and you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Ann for taking the time to leave your amazing, in depth and honest review, we really do appreciate it.
I am glad you were pleased with everything. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands to take care of you all. With warmest wishes Penny
5Amanda Ceylan22nd Jan 2025
Outstanding service throughout the whole process . Penny was extremely thoughtful and caring and guided us through each step, giving advice and recommendations and explained everything so clearly and with great attention to detail. I never felt rushed at anytime . Our service was held in the private chapel of Safe Hands and everyone commented on the calmness and intimate feeling of the surroundings. Truly a perfect send off to celebrate our Mother’s life . Thank you Safe Hands .
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Amanda. I am so glad you were pleased with everything. Thank you for entrusting your mum into my care, what a privilege it has been to look after you all.
Always here for you if you need anything.
5Clare Lamb18th Jan 2025
Penny was very kind and helpful throughout the planning of Dad's funeral. I think we were all in shock over Dad's sudden passing and Penny guided us through. Highly recommend Penny and her team. Clare (John's daughter)
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Clare,Thank you so much for leaving your kind review, we really appreciate you taking the time to do so. Warmest wishes Penny
5Deborah Whitaker19th Dec 2024
Thank you for all your
kindness, thoughtfulness and empathy. I/we appreciate everything you have done, dealing with my brother’s funeral. Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to Penny at Safe Hands for all your efforts and very high standards of service you extended and afforded to the entire family, before, during and after the funeral. Thank you Penny for being there at the end of a phone call, text or email at all hours, I could not have done this without all your help and professionalism. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I would recommend you to all my friends.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Deborah,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a privilege to work with you to plan Brian’s service and an honour to look after you all.
Brian was a real character and gentleman and will always be remembered and very much missed in Storrington by so many. Take care x
5Barbara Buckley30th Nov 2024
My family and I could not have wished for better caring , considerate help and guidance than from Safe Hands , such sensitive treatment from both Penny and Sally is hard to find , and very much appreciated.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Barbara, thank you so much for your kind words, so glad you were pleased with the service. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands to look after Roger it was our privilege.
5Hazel Day26th Nov 2024
Again Penny was marvellous. Having dealt with one death in September then this one in October I am in awe with how she dealt with us. She is so reassuring with her thoughtfulness,it was a very reassuring experience. Thank you so much Penny and your team for making it so special
Hazel & Family
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Hazel,
Thank you so much for your lovely words and for entrusting us to look after your family. Warmest wishes Penny
5Dinah Wilson15th Nov 2024
We were very pleased with whole proceedings the actual service was perfect it could not have been better just as we wanted it Penny was marvellous through the whole thing thank you Penny
Dinah
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind words Dinah, I am so glad you were pleased with everything. Always here if you need anything. With warmest regards Penny x
5Paula Jenkins12th Nov 2024
From our first meeting to discuss our wishes to the final moments of the funeral Safe Hands guided us carefully and supportively throughout.
I recommend them very highly and thank them for a very special celebration of life for my wife Sharon.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Paula. Shazzie's celebration of life was so special, personal and full of love for her and perfect in every way. Cissbury Barns was a beautiful setting for Sharon's service.
Always here if you need anything. Penny x
5Ann Daynes11th Nov 2024
Penny at safe hands was so kind and helpful and guided us through the arrangements. It all felt very personal.
Would highly recommend using safe hands.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Ann for your kind review. It has been a pleasure looking after you and your family. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands to make the funeral arrangements for John. Warmest wishes Penny
5Robin Duke1st Nov 2024
Exellent service provided by safe hands during this difficult time
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Robin, what a beautiful service it was for Janet and the perfect setting at Cissbury Barns. It was a privilege to meet you and your family. thank you for entrusting your Janet into my care. warmest wishes Penny
5Maureen Groom27th Oct 2024
The most obliging, caring, kind and above all understanding not to mention patient. Penny is that person, she really looked after us, guided us in the right direction, thankyou Penny and all at Safe Hands
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Maureen, Thank you so much for your kind, lovely review. I am touched by your words. It has been an honour to look after you and your family at such a difficult time for you. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands. Always here if you need anything, Penny
5Ann Peacock21st Oct 2024
Safe Hands have been wonderful, we have been supported & guided through the whole process. Penny & the team are warm & friendly & from the beginning to the end have been so helpful. We have had many compliments about the funeral service, thanks to Safe Hands it was put together beautifully & everything went to plan. The whole family could not have been happier & are truly thankful to Safe Hands.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Ann,
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am so pleased to hear you received many compliments and that you and the family were happy with everything. Always here if you need anything, warm wishes Penny
5Nick Vallance21st Oct 2024
Every interaction with Penny was warm and caring. She made the whole process easy.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Nick, such a lovely and fitting service for Pauline, your beautiful daughters and you did her proud. It was a privilege to look after you all. Kindest regards Penny
5Anna Thornley5th Oct 2024
Excellent
5Hazel Day1st Oct 2024
Penny was exceptional with the preparation and execution for Bill’s funeral.
Her attention to detail was marvellous. She gave us all the time wanted to decide what we wanted
Thank you Penny from the bottom of my heart.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Hazel,
Thank you so much for your kind words, a real privilege to meet and look after all of you. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands! warmest wishes
Penny
5David Giffard6th Sep 2024
Couldn’t ask for more.More than excellent
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much David for entrusting us to look after your beloved Carole, It has been a privilege to take care of you all. Warmest wishes Penny
5Amanda Harkey24th Aug 2024
The most friendly and professional company that brought a sense of calm to everything.
Everyone commented on the quality of the flowers and order of service. Every little detail was listened to, to make sure it was truly personal - thank you .
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Amanda,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, I really appreciate you taking the time to do so. Thank you for entrusting your beloved mum into our care. I am so glad to hear that you were pleased with everything and that you had such positive comments. We really do work hard to ensure the quality of every little detail and it's so nice to hear that it is noticed and appreciated. With grateful thanks
Penny
5Jill Cox16th Aug 2024
We will always feel so fortunate that when faced with such a sad time in our lives that Safe Hands was there to support us. When Carol, my sister, passed away we turned to Penny and her team to guide and advise us. They did this with clarity, patience and professionalism; but, most of all, with empathy and caring. We felt that Carol was loved and respected. We were able to ensure that her service and our goodbyes reflected our feelings and Carol's personality. We recommend Safe Hands and are grateful for all their support and love. Thank You - From Carol's family
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review. It was an honour to look after Carol and your family. Warmest wishes Penny
5Julia Thomas27th Jul 2024
Penny was so helpful and caring. The day of the funeral was so well arranged and everything went according to plan. Have a great admiration for her. Joe did a lovely service and the family are very grateful for all the support.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Julia,
Thank you so much for your kind review, I am truly touched by your lovely comment. So glad you were pleased with everything.
Always here if you need anything. warmest wishes
Penny
5Melanie Brown14th Jul 2024
Penny and her team are so helpful and understanding They did my Dad’s funeral nearly 3 years ago and when sadly my mum passed away recently I did not hesitate to use them again. Would highly recommend.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Mel, and for choosing us again. It has been an honour and privilege to look after both your parents. I am so lucky I got the opportunity to meet them both to discuss things in advance. Always here if you need anything. Best wishes
Penny
5Ian Shortland1st Jun 2024
Penny and her team were superb!! Following the death of my father I immediately researched funeral directors and am thankful that I stumbled on Safe Hands. Penny immediately took control in a sympathetic and sensitive way and organised everything for the funeral, guiding me along the way when I needed it.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Ian for taking the time to leave your very kind review, very much appreciated. Thank you for entrusting Dad into our care. With best wishes Penny
5Denise Rowland27th May 2024
From first meeting Penny Strachan and her colleague , Adam, the night of my husband’s death , I have had caring , empathetic , service from” Safe hands”.
Penny guided me through every stage of the funeral organisation and nothing was too much trouble .
She gave me comfort and expert advice throughout the whole procedure , giving me confidence and strength to carry on.
I could not have wished for better service .
I am so grateful that I was recommended “ Safe hands”, by a neighbour.
Denise Rowland ( widow of the deceased)
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your lovely review Denise, it has been a pleasure looking after yourself and Bill. I am so pleased to have been able to help comfort you and take a little of the stress away at this difficult time for you. Always here if you need anything. Best wishes Penny
5Wendy Richardson26th Apr 2024
As we entered this new-to-us journey of organising a funeral for a loved one we found Penny and her Safe Hands. If I had been able to design my own perfect funeral director at that point it would have been Penny. Always making herself available to answer our questions as they arose, kind and understanding, while also hugely competent and professional. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Wendy, what can I say other than thank you so much for your wonderful review, I am really touched by your words. Thank you. Warmest wishes Penny
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
Peter Deacon31st Jan 2025
This was the second time using safe hands and as ever Penny went out of her way and beyond so helpful,caring . I just don’t have words to describe how much she helps all the way through the process. I would always recommend her services thank you so much for looking after our mum 🙏🏻
Anthony Lahaise28th Jan 2025
I was very pleased with every aspect of the service provided. Penny was very kind and helpful throughout. The service was perfect and a number of my friends commented afterwards that it was the best funeral they had ever attended, even though the circumstances were extremely sad for all who were there. Penny also recommended a wonderful chaplain who conducted the service so well.
Ann Lagerkrans28th Jan 2025
Penny and the Safe Hands team were simply amazing when my mum died recently. From the time of the initial phone call to Penny, I knew that we had made the right choice for mum's funeral director. Penny was calm, kind and reassuring.
During the meeting to discuss mum's wishes and options, Penny was so kind and empathetic, so human in her approach, there was no sense of being rushed and with her help we decided upon the best service and options for mum, personal to her and in line with what she would have wanted. We decided to view mum a few days later and again, this was undertaken calmly and kindly, with no sense of being rushed, and we had plenty of time just to sit with mum and say our goodbyes.
We decided to have the actual service in Forge Chapel at Safe Hands and I am so glad we did as Penny and her team looked after everything, and us, superbly. Everything was managed brilliantly and sensitively.
Choosing Safe Hands as mum's funeral director was the best decision we could have made. I knew that they were independent from the big chains and I hoped therefore that mum, and we, would be treated as an individual and a family- and that is exactly what happened.
It is not easy in the fog of grief to make good decisions but by making that initial decision to engage Penny and the Safe Hands team, subsequent decisions became much easier thanks to her support and guidance. I will always be so grateful to Penny and her team for making a difficult and sad situation much easier to navigate. I have would highly recommend Safe Hands to anyone in the sad and difficult position of choosing a funeral director, they will take good care of your loved one, and you.
NAFD Member