At Welham Jones, our funeral ‘first responders’ are at the heart of our care. We’re currently recruiting a new funeral first responder to join our trusted team, helping local families across West Kent and South East London at their time of need. But what does the job involve, and why is it so meaningful? We spoke to Jason Carr, a long-standing member of our team, to find out why this flexible and rewarding role is unlike any other.
A funeral first responder plays a vital part in our out-of-hours support. They are the first point of contact when a person has passed away in the community, responding promptly and compassionately to collect the deceased and ensure they are cared for with dignity.
At Welham Jones Funeral Directors, we’ve been delivering sensitive and professional funeral services to our communities for over 30 years. We cover key areas including Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Chislehurst and Bromley, Borough Green, and Orpington and Chelsfield.
Jason Carr, who currently works as a funeral first responder, says,
“The upside of this job is that you get to do it casually. You’re paid a retainer just for being on standby – even if you’re not called out – and then you receive an additional fee for every call you attend.”
Welham Jones operates a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off rota, with weekend and evening standby periods. Jason continues:
“We always work in pairs, usually with the same partner, so you build a good rapport. And people often ask me how often I get called out… well, I say – how often does someone die?”
The ideal person for this role is reliable, respectful, and compassionate. You will often be entering private houses where emotions are raw — sensitivity is essential. However, this makes it one of the most quietly rewarding jobs you’ll ever do. You will need to be:
Jason recalls how he started:
“I moved away for a couple of years and became a full-time househusband. When we came back to Kent, the kids were older, and I wanted a job that meant something. I didn’t have experience, but Welham Jones trained me on the job — I’ll even help train the next recruit!”
He adds:
“It’s a physically demanding job, but not impossible — my last two partners were petite women. It’s not about brute strength. It’s about teamwork, safety, and being prepared.”
Welham Jones is a family-run funeral director, committed to providing compassionate support and expert care, however, we are also a close-knit team and always maintain each other’s safety.
Jason says:
“Ask me anything — ask me a million times if you need to. I’d rather we got it right, because if I ever think a job is compromising my partner’s safety, I’m calling for backup’
Every call is different, Jason explains:
“You never know the situation until you turn up — sometimes the family is very emotional, other times they’re quiet and in shock. You just have to read the room and respond with sensitivity.”
There are even light-hearted moments:
“Once, the bedroom was so tiny, every time I bent down, I turned the light off with my bum! It sounds funny now, but you do whatever it takes to treat the person with dignity.”
And the best approach?
“Some families ask you every question under the sun. Others can barely speak. You just stay kind and calm. That’s all anyone needs in that moment.”
The role has surprised Jason – in a good way:
“I thought this would be a dark and morbid job. It’s not. I’ve lost both my parents, so I know how much it matters. It’s a privilege to help people at the hardest moment of their life.”
Jason makes sure families know their loved one is being cared for:
“I always say, ‘Don’t worry, I’m taking care of them now. They’re safe with me.’ That’s what people need to hear.”
And he shares a touching memory:
“After my mum died, my dad said, ‘Jason, you only have to go in a hearse once.’ Every time I’m out on call, I think of that. I chuckle to myself and say, ‘Just once, Dad?’”
Being a funeral first responder is more than a job – it’s a meaningful way to help others when they need it most.
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