Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever face. When that day comes, you should not have to work out what to do next on your own. As independent, family-run funeral directors, we are here for families across Patcham with calm, gentle guidance and a steady hand through every step.
Sussex Funeral Services is a genuinely independent firm based nearby at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ. We are not part of a chain, so the people you speak to at the start are the same people who look after you throughout. Philip and Sallie answer the phone themselves, day or night, and treat every family the way they would want their own to be treated.
Whether you want a full traditional service, a simple direct cremation or something more personal, we will listen first and then explain your choices in plain English. There is never any pressure and never any judgement, only honest, patient help when you need it most.
Patcham sits in the north of Brighton, a village with a medieval heart at its centre, All Saints Church nearby and the green open space of Patcham Place and the Ladies Mile close at hand. Tucked beside the A23 and A27, it keeps a real community feel while being easy to reach, and we know the area and its neighbours well, including Withdean, Hollingbury, Coldean and Westdene. If you live a little further out, you may also find our page for funeral directors in Withdean helpful.
Families in Patcham are usually served by one of the two local crematoria, Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, both in Brighton. For a burial, the most common choices nearby are Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery and Brighton & Preston Cemetery. We are happy to arrange a service at whichever feels right for your family.
When someone dies, the death is registered at the Brighton & Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. We will explain exactly what you need to bring and how to book an appointment, and we can guide you through the paperwork so nothing feels overwhelming at an already difficult time.
A traditional funeral gives families the time and space to say goodbye properly, with all the familiar elements that bring comfort. We can arrange a service at a church, a chapel or a crematorium, followed by a burial or cremation, and look after every detail so you can focus on being together.
From the order of service and hymns to flowers, cars and the wording of any notices, we will help you shape a day that feels right for the person you have lost. Nothing is too much trouble, and every choice remains yours.
Some families prefer a quiet, uncomplicated goodbye without a formal service, and a direct cremation offers exactly that. Your loved one is cared for with the same respect and dignity, the cremation takes place privately, and the ashes are returned to you afterwards.
A direct cremation is often the most affordable option, and it can suit families who would rather hold their own celebration of life later, in their own time and their own way. We will explain everything clearly so you can decide what feels right.
Not every family wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts the focus on the person and their life, with words, music and readings chosen to reflect who they really were.
We work with experienced, warm celebrants who take the time to get to know your family and tell your loved one's story with care. The result is a personal, heartfelt service that feels true to the person you are remembering.
For families who take comfort in faith, we arrange religious funerals with care and respect for the traditions and customs that matter to you. Whether at All Saints Church, another local place of worship or a crematorium chapel, we will liaise with your minister or faith leader on your behalf.
We understand that different faiths have their own timings and requirements, and we will make sure everything is handled properly and sensitively, so the service honours your beliefs in full.
If you are drawn to something more natural, we can arrange woodland and green funerals with environmentally kinder choices at every stage. These gentle, peaceful farewells often suit those who loved the outdoors and the countryside around Patcham.
We also arrange traditional burials at the local cemeteries serving the area, including Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery and Brighton & Preston Cemetery. We will talk you through what each option involves so you can choose with confidence.
Planning ahead is a thoughtful thing to do for the people you love. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, sparing your family difficult decisions and financial worry later on.
We will sit with you, without any rush, and help you put together a plan that reflects exactly what you want. It is a quiet reassurance, both for you and for those you will one day leave behind.
The details often mean the most. We offer a wide range of coffins and urns, from classic wooden coffins to wicker, cardboard and other natural styles, along with keepsakes and ashes caskets in different designs and finishes.
Beyond the coffin, it is the personal touches that make a funeral feel like a true reflection of a life, whether that is a favourite piece of music, a treasured photograph, particular flowers or a much-loved colour. We are always glad to help you personalise the day.
Worrying about money at such a painful time is the last thing any family needs. We believe in being open and straightforward about cost from the very first conversation, with no hidden extras and no pressure to spend more than you wish. You can read our funeral pricing at any time.
We will always explain clearly what is included, set out your options honestly and help you find a fitting, affordable and simple funeral that stays within your means. A dignified goodbye should never cost the earth.
We are proud to be a trusted, independent name that families across Patcham and Brighton turn to when it matters most. Here is what you can expect when you place your loved one in our care.
Yes, we look after families right across Patcham and its neighbouring areas, including Withdean, Hollingbury, Coldean and Westdene. Although our premises are in Hove, we come to you and arrange services at the local churches, crematoria and cemeteries that serve the area. Wherever you are, we are only a phone call away.
The two crematoria closest to Patcham are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, both in Brighton. We regularly arrange services at both and will help you choose whichever suits your family. We handle all the bookings and arrangements on your behalf.
Burials for the area usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton & Preston Cemetery. We will explain what each option involves and take care of the arrangements for you. If you prefer a woodland or green burial, we can arrange that too.
Deaths in this area are registered at the Brighton & Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will normally need an appointment, and we will explain exactly what to bring and what to expect. We can guide you through the whole process so nothing feels overwhelming.
Yes, Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Bereavement does not keep to office hours, so neither do we. Whenever you need us, you can call and speak to a real person who will help straight away.
Costs vary depending on the type of service you choose, from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional funeral. We are always open and honest about pricing, and we will give you a clear breakdown with no hidden extras. You are welcome to view our pricing page or ask us anything at any time.
Absolutely. A prepaid funeral plan lets you record your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, which can be a great comfort to your family later on. We will talk everything through with you calmly and without any rush. There is no obligation to decide anything on the spot.
The most important thing is to take a breath and know that you do not have to face it alone. Simply call us and we will gently talk you through what happens next and bring your loved one into our care. From that moment on, we will be beside you every step of the way.
If you have lost someone or simply want to talk through your options, please do get in touch. Philip or Sallie are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can reach them any time on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453. There is no pressure and no obligation, only warm, caring help for families in Patcham whenever you need it.