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.
What Families Say
AI Summary
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
5Graham Fowler23rd Apr 2024
Penny has organised two family funerals in the last year. Both were dealt with compassion, empathy and professionalism. I cannot recommend her firm enough
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Graham. Two very different funerals, but both suited to each individual. The huge celebration of life for Karen at Cissbury Barns (wish she had been there to join in) and the smaller more intimate service for George in our service chapel here at Safe Hands. Both so fitting. Thank you for entrusting me to look after your family. Best wishes Penny
5Robert Inman19th Apr 2024
Penny has been brilliant from start to finish, attentive to detail to make sure process ran smoothly culminating in lovely send off
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Robert for your kind review. So glad you were pleased with everything, Cissbury barns was the perfect setting!
5Carole Goldsmith16th Apr 2024
Thank you so much Penny and Safe Hands for making what is a very distressing time so straightforward, I felt 100% supported throughout the entire process and you could not have been any more helpful. You were there for me every step of the way and showed genuine warmth, care and kindness. I cannot thank you enough and I will never forget.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Carole, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your lovely review. It has been a privilege to look after you and your mum, thank you for entrusting her into my care.
Yours is 100th 5 star review for Safe Hands!
5Kathryn Wilkinson15th Apr 2024
Everything worked out well from beginning to end.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Kathryn, so glad you were pleased with everything. Warmest wishes Penny
5Daphne Patch14th Apr 2024
My daughter and I found Safe Hands Funeral Services excellent in all respects and we would certainly recommend them.
5James Hutchings31st Mar 2024
Thank you all for a much admired service to celebrate Lily's life story.
The whole family and all our friends and neighbours could not have been more impressed with the shared experience with which you honoured her. For myself. Ben, Patricia and David we are so grateful for the peace and tranquility which followed the service itself and for the colourful display of the chosen flowers, the music and the photographs which reminded us so much of the best of Lily herself.
A special thank you to Sally for skilfully leading the presentation of our celebration
of my lovely wife and companion, and of our long marriage and life together.
James.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Jim for taking the time to leave your lovely review, I am so pleased that you were pleased with the service and to hear that all those who attended Lily's service were impressed. Thank you for your kind comments, very much appreciated. Take care Penny
5Lisa Stevens25th Mar 2024
Penny, Adam and Helen were an absolute delight. Not only safe hands but gentle too.
From the beginning, to the day of our fathers funeral the team went above and beyond.
An early hours collection from a care home out of their radius, in person meetings, numerous calls and emails. They did it all with a gentle, sensitive, friendly and supporting touch. Nothing was too much trouble.
The flowers were absolutely stunning, supplied by Safe Hands florist and the Order of Service pamphlets were brilliant.
What is usually a sad occasion was one of joy and celebration with the recommended reverend who was a revelation. Penny and your wonderful team, THANK YOU.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Lisa, T
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Safe Hands! Very much appreciated. So glad you were pleased with everything we arrange.
Take care and Best wishes Penny and the team.
5Mike Nicholson18th Mar 2024
Penny dealt with everything brilliantly and I would highly recommend Safe hands work at this difficult time.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for your kind review. I will always remover her service, with so many attending, standing all around the barn, your singing such a beautiful heartfelt song and the Morris men celebrating Barbara's zest for life in the reception barn! Truly unique. Thank you for entrusting me to look after Barbara and the arrangements. Warm regards. Penny
5Leonie Day19th Feb 2024
I couldn't have asked for a more professional, kinder and compassionate person to help me plan my Stepmother's funeral. From the very first phone call in the middle of the night, I genuinely felt I was in "Safe Hands" with Penny. She was absolutely lovely and supportive in every way. She seamlessly helps you to make decisions at a difficult and emotional time, without putting pressure on you. Everything was well organised and well communitcated. I feel grateful that she was there to help.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Leonie, Thank you so much for taking the time to write your lovely review, I really appreciate it. What a beautiful, personal service it was for Corrine. I am honoured that you chose me to look after her and to make her funeral arrangements. Thank you.
Warmest wishes
Penny
5Lesley Burgess11th Feb 2024
Penny made the whole experience so much easier, she collected my mum from the care home and looked after her for me, she truly cares, she wants to get everything right for you and she does 100%. Penny is a true professional funeral director and is a lovely caring person. I cannot recommend her highly enough
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Lesley, What an honour it has been to look after you and your mum. Thank you for entrusting Safe Hands, always here if you need anything. Warmest wishes
Penny
5Juliet Mills23rd Jan 2024
This is the second time our family has used Safe Hands Funeral Services. We cannot fault their professionalism and very high standards. Penny is supportive, sensitive and incredibly reassuring at a time it is most appreciated. The service was built around our wishes with every detail taken care of meticulously. We couldn't recommend Safe Hands more highly.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Juliet, such a privilege to look after your family again. Warmest wishes
Penny
5Annie Kane30th Dec 2023
Friendly and very professional true to their name my son was in safe hands
Thankyou
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Annie for your kind words. Thank you for entrusting Safe Hands to look after your Son. Always here if you need anything. Penny
5Dean Sammons18th Dec 2023
Couldn't have asked for more, went the extra mile and made us feel very comfortable. Would highly recommend using this company.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind review, so glad you were pleased with the service. Thank you for choosing Safe Hands to take care of your dad. Always here if you or mum need anything. Best wishes Penny
5Sheila Withey3rd Dec 2023
Penny was so kind and helpful guiding us through a difficult time the service was so nice and relaxed and a celebration of David's life , Sally was so helpful in compiling the eulogy and made us smile, also the flowers were beautiful , thank you from all of us with warmest wishes Sheila Jo Richard and James
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you all so much for your kind review. It has been a privilege to take care of you all. So glad you were pleased with everything. Always here if you need anything. Best wishes Penny x
5Janette Coleman14th Nov 2023
I really cannot recommend Safe Hands funeral services enough.
Penny and Adam looked after my mother from her passing to her cremation with dignity and respect. I basically let Penny arrange everything and the service was a wonderful tribute to my Mum
To be honest they deserve more than a 5 star rating
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review Janette. So glad you were pleased with everything. Thank you for entrusting your mum into our care it was a privilege to take care of the arrangements for her funeral service. With warmest wishes Penny x
5Clare Mustchin3rd Nov 2023
From the first phone call until the end of the funeral, Penny was truly outstanding. She was the kindest most supportive person during the most horrific times. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was done with quiet confidence and reassurance. She was gentle and caring, sensitive to our needs and professional at all times.I could never thank Penny enough.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Clare, it was honour to look after your mum, and a privilege to meet you and your family. I’m so pleased your mum chose Safe Hands!
Always here if you need anything. Warmest wishes Penny x
5Daniel Richardson29th Oct 2023
Penny at Safe Hands provided a very sensitive, thoughtful and comprehensive funeral service. Her in house chapel was also the perfect venue for an intimate family service. Lastly Katie was a wonderful celebrant who perfectly reflected the family's mood and feelings. Thank you both.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind review. I’m so glad you were pleased with everything. Best wishes Penny x
5Lesley Keenan15th Oct 2023
Penny was professional and extremely supportive in what is always a very difficult time for the family. The sensitivity was greatly appreciated and everything went very smoothly. I would have no hesitation in recommending Safe Hands Funeral Services.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Lesley for your kind words. I’m so glad you were pleased with everything. Warmest wishes to you and mum. Penny x
5Ann Corcoran26th Sep 2023
Penny and her team are very warm and sincere. Penny goes above and beyond with all the care and support she offered our family at this difficult time.
Safe Hands did our mother proud! Thank you Penny.
We can 100% recommend Safe hands Funeral Directors.
Ann Corcoran.
Helen short.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you both so much for taking the time to leave your kind review. It was an honour to look after you and your mum. Take care Penny x
5Margaret Brown17th Sep 2023
A wonderful service in every respect for which I thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Margaret I’m so glad you were pleased with everything. It has been a privilege to take care of you and your family. Warmest wishes Penny
5Jeff Ward10th Sep 2023
I am so glad I chose Safe Hands in Storrington. Penny was so kind, caring and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble for her and we never felt rushed in any way. We always felt like we were her only customers. I would thoroughly recommend Safe Hands 100%. Thank you so much Penny for making a really difficult job that much easier. Jeff Ward
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Jeff for your kind review. I am glad you chose us too, it has been a privilege to look after you and your family. I am pleased to have helped make it a little easier for you all. Best wishes Penny
5Richard Beasley6th Sep 2023
Funerals are things that are hard - organisationally and emotionally. I have no real experience in organising a funeral
So safe Hands were an absolute blessing. They made sure I knew the key things that had to be done, patiently explained the options I had for a funeral, and then made sure every detail was planned and delivered. I could not have expected anything else
I would happily recommend Penny and the Safe Hands undertakers to anyone.
5Sarah Henley5th Sep 2023
From start to finish a seamless service was provided, I have never known a funeral directors to be on hand anytime of day even on a bank holiday, I felt at ease no matter how silly I though the question was and having to do most of the planning myself I never felt alone with Penny.
Highly recommend SafeHands because you will truely be in SafeHands.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your lovely review Sarah. I am pleased to hear that you never felt alone as I pride myself on the fact that I offer a personal service and am available whenever a family needs me, which is not always 9-5.
It has been a privilege to look after you
Best wishes Penny xx
5Alfred Hurst15th Aug 2023
Such a great service, responsive, professional and caring - all at a difficult time in our lives. Penny paid attention to detail and all ran very smoothly. Thank you!
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Alfred. I am so glad to hear you were pleased with everything. It was a very personal and fitting tribute to your mum. Best wishes Penny
5Charlotte Cooper-Kenny1st Aug 2023
Penny was empathetic, professional and quick to respond to any requests. She helped to give me the personal funeral that I wanted for my dad. I would highly recommend her to others as she really takes the trouble to go the extra mile and no request is too much trouble for her. I was so pleased with her service and warmth.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Charlotte. I am so glad you were pleased with everything. It has been a pleasure to work with you to ensure your dad's service was exactly as he wanted.
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
Graham Fowler23rd Apr 2024
Penny has organised two family funerals in the last year. Both were dealt with compassion, empathy and professionalism. I cannot recommend her firm enough
Robert Inman19th Apr 2024
Penny has been brilliant from start to finish, attentive to detail to make sure process ran smoothly culminating in lovely send off
Carole Goldsmith16th Apr 2024
Thank you so much Penny and Safe Hands for making what is a very distressing time so straightforward, I felt 100% supported throughout the entire process and you could not have been any more helpful. You were there for me every step of the way and showed genuine warmth, care and kindness. I cannot thank you enough and I will never forget.
NAFD Member