Funeral Director Advocates Bereavement Education at National Convention in Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam — John Adams, a fourth-generation funeral director, is set to represent the UK at the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) National Convention, taking place this month in Vietnam. Adams aims to advocate for the inclusion of bereavement education in the national school curriculum during the event.

Adams will deliver two keynote addresses: “Breaking the Silence” and “Leadership Through Change.” In “Breaking the Silence,” he will discuss his campaign to raise awareness about bereavement education and its potential to positively influence societal perceptions of grief and loss.

“I am really excited to join the AFDA conference as a speaker and thrilled to be approached by their CEO, Dale Gilson, to join them,” Adams said. “They are very interested in the work that has been carried out with the campaign and how they could implement a similar strategy. To now see the campaign and message go across the world is really positive and exciting.”

In his second keynote, “Leadership Through Change,” Adams plans to address the ongoing evolution within the funeral profession, focusing on strategies for adapting to new societal expectations while balancing service and business demands.

Adams’ campaign for bereavement education in the UK’s national curriculum has gained significant traction, bolstered by a widely signed petition and recent parliamentary debates. His efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for open conversations about death and loss, which he believes can facilitate healing within communities.

The AFDA National Convention serves as a premier gathering for funeral professionals from Australia and beyond, dedicated to discussing industry challenges, sharing innovative ideas, and shaping the future of the funeral profession.

For ongoing updates about Adams’ campaign and his participation in the AFDA conference, listeners can follow his podcast, “Death: A Changing Industry,” where he will also interview AFDA President Kelly Scott during his trip.