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 emphasise the personal care and guidance Penny and her team provide throughout the funeral arrangements. They describe feeling supported and listened to, with staff taking time to understand what families want rather than rushing decisions, and remaining available to answer questions at any stage of the process.
Families repeatedly mention how smoothly the funeral day itself runs, noting that attention to detail—from the choice of celebrant and flowers to the order of service and chapel atmosphere—creates a dignified and meaningful occasion that feels tailored to their loved one.
Several describe finding the whole process less daunting because of clear communication and patient explanation of options, particularly when arranging a funeral for the first time or in circumstances that feel overwhelming.
This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.
Verified Reviews
Verified Reviews
5Sheila Bowles17th May 2022
Dealing with efficient, sympathetic operatives who really care. If this process can be made bearable Penny was the epitome of perfection.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your glowing review Sheila, very kind of you. Take good care Penny
5Richard Bland29th Mar 2022
From the initial planning meeting to the end of the Funeral Service at Chichester crematorium for my late wife, Safe Hands delivered an absolutely faultless, caring, programme. I made many extra demands; all were met without demur.
Their attention to detail was outstanding, down to smart pall bearers in polished shoes - not always the case elsewhere. At no time was there any pressure to spend more.
At a sad, stressed time, Safe Hands were exactly what their title suggests. I can unreservedly recommend them. They have my deep thanks.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Dick, Thank you, what an honour it has been looking after you and your family. I am so glad we were able to meet your requests and that you were pleased with all aspects of our service and care. It's all in the detail, as you say. With very best wishes Penny
5Inga Lidbetter20th Mar 2022
Very friendly personal service. Excellent
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Inga, with best wishes Penny
5Di Savage13th Mar 2022
Penny was so helpful in every way possible.I do not know where myself and my family would have been without her.My daughter just made an enquiry ,and before we knew it we required her services.I cannot thank you enough Penny for making Peter ,s day so special.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Di. It has been an honour looking after you all. Peter's service was special, his coffin with his merchant navy ship printed design, totally unique and was just perfect for the setting at Cissbury Barns. Thank you for entrusting Peter into my care. Take care Penny
5Andrew Kinchin29th Jan 2022
Excellent service from start to finish couldn’t ask for better thank you Penny and the team
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Andrew.
Best Wishes Penny
5Jill Ritchie9th Jan 2022
From the moment we contacted Safe Hands we were treated with kindness and understanding. Everything was organised efficiently and with total regard to our wishes. The funeral itself was beautiful and Penny’s calm efficiency made everything run smoothly. We felt we could contact Penny with any queries and always received a swift and reassuring reply. Thank you to Safe Hands for helping us to deal with a sad occasion .
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Jill, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your kind review. So glad to hear your were pleased with everything. Best wishes. Penny
5Mark Atkinson3rd Dec 2021
Penny and Adam and their staff were nothing less than compassionate, empathetic, professional and kind. Their services were discreet and complete at a difficult time for us, and we know Mum would have approved. We liked working directly with a small, local, personal business. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Mark for the kind review. Good to know mum would have approved too. Take Care, best wishes Penny
5Amanda Skidmore10th Nov 2021
Penny was so sensitive and thoughtful throughout this sad time, she went over and above to make George’s final journey dignified.
Thank you so much.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Mandy. Here if you need anything. Best wishes. Penny
5Julie Gillard24th Oct 2021
Lovely staff and service
I would highly recommend
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Julie, it’s been a privilege to look after you & your family.
5Lesley Edwards18th Oct 2021
So well organised helpful professional and personal. Everything went perfectly and to plan. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Lesley, it was a lovely service, it’s been a privilege to look after you all. Please send my best wishes to your mum.
5Eddie Sale10th Oct 2021
A faultless service from Penny at Safe Hands. Very caring, compassionate and understanding. Penny was genuine & sincere and helped us plan a lovely service for mum which celebrated her life & achievements. Thanks also to our Celebrant Father John who was warm & friendly,had the human touch & put everyone at ease.
Highly recommended.
Thank you Penny & the team at Safe Hands.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your lovely review Jill, much appreciated. Such a wonderful, warm and personal service for your mum, very proud to have been part of it. Thank you for entrusting Safe Hands with the arrangements. Best wishes Penny
5Fran Bune9th Oct 2021
From the moment I called Safe Hands and Penny answered the phone I knew I had found the right people at this difficult and sad time to guide me through the process of a funeral with everything that needed to be done to give my Dad the best send off I could arrange. Penny was on the end of the phone every step of the way. She listened to us in our pain, then gave valuable advise on everything from venue, coffins, order of service to flowers, making it all so much less stressful on the whole family.
She introduced us to ‘Leo’ the celebrant who was thorough in finding out all the finer details about our Dad and his life. At the funeral when Leo did his readings it was as if he had known our Dad his whole life, some at the funeral even thought he was a member of the family!
On the day of the funeral everything went as planned, streamlined in every detail making sure it was a beautiful, relevant and personal last goodbye to our Dad.
Thank you Penny
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much Fran, for such a wonderful review. It’s been a real honour looking after you all. Thank you again much appreciated Best wishes Penny
5Elizabeth Huckwell17th Sep 2021
Penny was first class from start to finish, so helpful and understanding. Would recommend highly. Nothing was to much trouble. Made the day run so smoothly.
Thank you
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for your kind review Elizabeth. It was a perfect service in a perfect setting, I am sure Michaela would have approved. Thank you for all your help too. Best wishes Penny
5Jan Head 4th Sep 2021
Penny took great care helping us to plan our son’s funeral. She was indeed ‘Safe Hands’. We felt as though we could take our time making decisions and nothing was too much trouble. The resulting service was a perfect tribute.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank Jan and Derek for your kind review, I am so pleased you thought it was the perfect tribute for James. Always here if you need anything. Best wishes Penny
5Greg Gyton21st Aug 2021
We used the services of Safe Hands for my mothers funeral only a few months ago, and had no hesitation in using them again for my father.
Every aspect was again dealt with in a professional but caring and respectful way.
Nothing was too much trouble. Faultless service.
Penny Strachan replied
Apologies for the delay in my reply Greg. Thank you for your kind review. I will always remember your Dad for showing such strength and courage, when speaking at your mum's funeral. What a lovely remarkable man. He was so very proud of you. Always here if you need anything, take care Penny
5Wendy Spink12th Aug 2021
Safe Hands provided a truly personal and bespoke service.
Our wishes were listened to and acted upon. Helpful suggestions and recommendations were put forward, and calls made on our behalf to the celebrant, florist and Registrar. Penny was understanding, patient and attentive, delivering a memorable service which fully met our expectations. Based on our experience, we have no hesitation in recommending Safe Hands Funeral Services to others.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Wendy & Philip,
Thank you for kind review, I am so glad to hear that you were really pleased with the service and Safe Hands met your expectations. Best regards. Penny
5Debra Thurley9th Aug 2021
Penny was brilliant from start to finish. She listened carefully to what we wanted and helped in so many ways to make the service perfect. Her attention to detail was impeccable and the surroundings of her premises and the chapel were beautiful and comforting. She was always caring, sympathetic and friendly. We would not hesitate in recommending her to others.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your kind review Debra. Hope you and Dad are keeping well. Best wishes Penny x
5Gary Warwick6th Aug 2021
Penny is so professional, friendly and helpful, we cannot fault the service she extended to our family in this difficult time for us. She arranged the most thoughtful ceremony and introduced us to Cissbury Barns, which was the most delightful venue we could have wished for. We would thoroughly recommend Safe Hands.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Gary for taking the time to leave your lovely review, the setting and service were perfect for you all and I am sure your dad would have approved. Take care Penny
5Paul Treagus10th Jul 2021
Excellent service all thanks to Penny and Adam. Penny helped with every step of my father's funeral. Service held at Safe Hands was exactly what the family wanted. Thank you.
Penny Strachan replied
Dear Paul, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your kind review. Best wishes. Penny
5Lisa Haydon8th Jun 2021
Very helpful
Penny Strachan replied
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for the review, I know you struggled with your new phone, hence only two words :-) but I am glad you were very happy with the service.
5Ben Evans7th Jun 2021
Penny is so caring, understanding and helpful. The service was perfect. I am so glad I chose Safe Hands.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Ben, I'm so glad you did too. I am only sorry that you have found yourself in need of my services. Life is too cruel sometimes. Always here if you need anything Penny.
5Greg Gyton21st May 2021
The service provided by Safe Hands was exemplary in every way. A very dignified and caring service for my Mum, nothing was too much trouble and your attention to detail was all we could have hoped for. Thank you .
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so mcc for taking the time to leave your lovely review Greg, much appreciated. Best wishes to you and your family. Penny
5Michael Collins15th May 2021
Faultless in all aspects. Exactly the quality of service and attention to detail required.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you for your positive review Michael.
5Keith Welton30th Mar 2021
Superb help through a very difficult time.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you Keith, best wishes. Penny
5Kelly Adams25th Mar 2021
Penny at Safe Hands was amazing throughout. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Penny Strachan replied
Thank you so much for taking time to leave your excellent review Kelly, much appreciated.
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
Sheila Bowles17th May 2022
Dealing with efficient, sympathetic operatives who really care. If this process can be made bearable Penny was the epitome of perfection.
Richard Bland29th Mar 2022
From the initial planning meeting to the end of the Funeral Service at Chichester crematorium for my late wife, Safe Hands delivered an absolutely faultless, caring, programme. I made many extra demands; all were met without demur.
Their attention to detail was outstanding, down to smart pall bearers in polished shoes - not always the case elsewhere. At no time was there any pressure to spend more.
At a sad, stressed time, Safe Hands were exactly what their title suggests. I can unreservedly recommend them. They have my deep thanks.
NAFD Member