Some people find their way to celebrancy through a quiet nudge. For Jules, her journey from social work to celebrancy was shaped by decades of advocating for people society often overlooks. And a growing sense that something had to change. Then came a health scare that made her stop waiting. This is her story.
“The Future Isn’t a Guarantee” – What Drew Jules to Celebrancy
What work did you do before, and which skills do you think will be most useful as a celebrant?
It wasn’t just one thing. I was looking for something that I could train for and then work in a limited capacity for a few years before I finished ‘the day job’ at 60 (ish). Having a cancer diagnosis in the latter part of 2023 had an impact on the way I viewed my life. Reinforcing that we need to be more present in the now because the future isn’t a guarantee.
I was working long hours, driving up to five hours a day. Spending too much time looking at reports on financial viability and efficiencies. I knew something had to change.
For decades I have worked with people that often are overlooked by society. People that are homeless, people with disabilities, older people, care leavers. People living with mental health conditions and addiction. I knew that I had to continue in a role that was inclusive and gave a voice to people that aren’t always heard. Independent Celebrant jumped out.
Once I had started the training I realised very quickly that I needed to bring my plans forward and my true vocation was in Celebrant work.
A Career Built on Listening – and Really Hearing
For many years I worked in social housing and support services. I have managed housing and care services for older people, outreach support in the community for care leavers, people living with addiction and mental health conditions and as well as managing a supported living scheme for homeless people. I think the skill of listening and really hearing is going to be the most useful. Being compassionate too. Everyone has a history and a story and it deserves to be told without judgement.
“I Honestly Can’t Remember the Last Time I Felt Really Proud of Myself”
You took both our wedding and funeral celebrant training programmes. What did you most enjoy about each of the courses
WOW where do I start? I am not being flippant when I say that the training has changed my life. Not just in my ability to start a new role. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt really proud of myself. I’ve learned as much about myself as I did about Celebrant work.
I loved researching about wedding rituals and symbolic acts. This was something totally new to me and I have found this fascinating. With the funeral training I loved reading and discussing the different options available. In particular around natural burial and the options available for a ceremony of ashes. I chose my final assignment service to write about a natural burial. This really resonated with me.
The Ceremonies That Inspire Her Most
What types of ceremony are you looking forward to creating?
I have been truly inspired by some of the ashes ceremonies that I have read about during training. There has been a considerable increase in the number of people choosing a direct cremation. As a result, I think families may look to an ashes ceremony that is truly reflective of the person that has died rather than the more traditional scattering or burial of ashes. The Four Elements Farewell really spoke to me. I hope I get the opportunity to work with a family and create a personal ceremony to honour a life in this way.
I’m planning some events locally to raise awareness of the options available. I want to empower people with the knowledge to know what is available.
What is the thing you’re asked most often when you tell people you’re an Independent Celebrant?
“Celebrant? What’s That Then?“
Celebrant? What’s that then??? Is quite a common one! After that it tends to be questions about the ‘legality’ of services – particularly about weddings. Gives me chance to open up the conversation around Marriage Law Reform and suggest people contact their MP!
Five Things About Jules
- I am a qualified scuba diver and went diving with sharks for charity
- My life ambition was to see a tiger in the wild. And I achieved this in February 2020 on a three week trip to India.
- I have a dreadful fear of heights. This stops me from doing so many things in life but so far have not been able to overcome it
- I was a goth in my youth and painted my bedroom black and purple. I loved it – parents were less keen!
- I love nature and wildlife – there is nothing better than hearing birdsong in spring or waves crashing on the beach. It is so therapeutic, makes you feel happy and appreciative to be alive.
Jules will be offering ceremonies in Telford, Shropshire and The Black Country. You can find Jules via her website here . And she’s just starting her Instagram account, so give her a follow here
Ready to Write Your Own Story?
Jules’s journey from social work to celebrancy is a beautiful reminder that the skills and values we carry through life don’t have to be left behind. They can become the very foundation of something new. If her story has resonated with you, and you’re wondering whether celebrancy might be your next chapter, I’d love to have that conversation with you.
Book an Informed Decision Session and let’s find out what kind of celebrant you might become.