Dying matters.
But – death, dying and bereavement remain taboo subjects in society. This can affect our ability to access the right care, and to decide where we die.
From May 2nd to 6th 2022, we join Hospice UK for its annual Dying Matters Awareness Week to help break the stigma and normalise openness around death, dying and bereavement.
We explore this year’s theme ‘being in a good place to die’ – and ask what this means to you.
There is no right or wrong place to die; it will be different for everyone. But it is important for families to think about
it, to talk about it and to plan for it.
Whether they want to die at home, or at the hospice, we support our patients to be in a good place to die – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And, we ensure their loved ones are cared for through their bereavement too.
Find out how we support patients, and their loved ones.
Get involved
Write on our chalkboard
You can join the conversation over on our virtual chalkboard. Share what it means to you to be in a good place to die.
Read a blog by social worker Alizah
“The topic of death is often regarded a ‘taboo’ topic,” writes Alizah. “Many of us discuss our plans, dreams and hopes for life – but have you considered your wishes, views, or apprehensions about your death?
“If we never talk about our wishes for the end of our lives, how can we ensure they will be met?”
Read Alizah’s blog post in full.
Join the Dying Matters movement
Can you help Dying Matters build a better understanding of people’s experiences of dying? Join the Dying Matters movement to help it ensure everyone is in a good place when they die.
Write your Will for free
Being in a good place to die can not only mean physically and emotionally, but financially too. Writing a Will can help give you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out, and your loved ones cared for, after you’ve gone.
You can write your Will for free with our partners Bequeathed. Find out more and write your Will for free.
Watch and share a powerful video by Dying Matters
Access resources
Useful reading
Dying Matters has produced a series of useful leaflets on a variety of subjects around death, dying and bereavement. Click the images below to read each document.
Video resources
We have put together a selection of videos which you may find useful when thinking about, or talking about, death and bereavement. The first is by Refuge in Grief, and explores how to be there for a grieving friend.
The next is by Andy Schwab, St Richard’s Specialist Palliative Care Social Worker, and looks at how to support people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions to manage pre, and post, bereavement.
Watch a presentation by our Family Support Team on how to support children bereaved by Covid-19. You can also hear from members of our Sunflower Bereavement Group on how peer support helped them through the grieving process.
What is Dying Matters?
Dying Matters believes in an open culture that talks about death, and where people feel able to listen and support those who are planning for end of life, who are dying and who have been bereaved.
The lack of openness in society has affected the quality and range of support and care services available to patients and families.
It has also affected our ability to die where or how we would wish. We want to break the stigma, challenge preconceptions and normalise public openness around death, dying and bereavement.
www.dyingmatters.org/overview/about-us