MONEY raised through the recycling of metals recovered during cremations has been donated to the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team.
Eastbourne Borough Council has donated £17,000 to the charity from money raised by taking part in the national metal recycling scheme.
The money will help the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team continue to provide life‑saving support to people in crisis, offering rapid-response patrols across the clifftop area and compassionate intervention for those in need.
This contribution brings the total amount Eastbourne Borough Council has donated to local bereavement and life-saving charities to more than £176,000 since joining the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) recycling scheme.
Councillor Candy Vaughan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Accessibility, said: “We are very grateful for the life‑saving work that is carried out by the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, and I am delighted we are supporting them through this scheme.
“I would also like to thank the bereaved families who consent to the process – doing so enables us to help local charities like this, which make a profound difference to people’s lives.”
Under the ICCM scheme, all metal recovered during the cremation process is recycled only with the explicit consent of the bereaved families, and the proceeds are passed directly to charities nominated by participating councils.
Gerry Howitt, chief executive officer of Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, said: “The Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team is incredibly grateful for this support, which directly sustains our frontline operations.
“To put the impact of this contribution into perspective: this funding will specifically facilitate 80 lifesaving interventions by our team at Beachy Head throughout 2026. Every intervention represents a moment where our chaplains can reach someone in their darkest hour, offering a listening ear and help people to find a reason to step back. In a year where the demand for our services remains high, these funds ensure that we can continue our mission to save lives 365 days a year and provide hope at the cliffs.
“We thank the team at Eastbourne Crematorium for recognising the urgency of this work and helping us remain a consistent, compassionate presence in the community.”
The national recycling scheme for metals recovered during cremation in the UK allows for the respectful recovery of metals, such as orthopaedic implants and coffin fittings, which are then recycled rather than buried.
