Dying Matters Awareness Week

It’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (5-11 May), a Hospice UK campaign we have supported for many years, which aims to break the stigma around death and dying – something that affects us all.

This year’s theme, ‘The Culture of Dying Matters’, highlights the diverse ways people of different cultures and faiths approach death, while emphasising that feelings of grief and loss are universal.

To explore this idea, our End of Life Care team have shared heartfelt reflections, personal stories, and professional insights from colleagues across our organisation, to provide our staff with:

• practical guidance
• emotional reassurance, or
• simply a sense of shared understanding
… to support them in their professional role and in their personal journey.

Reflections from Team WCHC (see photos below):

“Talking about death won’t make it happen, but avoiding it can leave people unprepared, unsupported and afraid. Death is a destination we all share.” Sue, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Specialist Palliative Care Team.

“For me, the only way to look at death is to believe ‘I will see them again one day. We will meet again.’ I also find comfort in believing my loved ones who have passed away, are together – up there.” Millie, Service Development Coordinator, Sexual Health.

Millie also shares how death is acknowledged in West Indies traditions. ‘Nine nights’ is a tradition observed by families with West Indian heritage, as an extended wake that lasts for nine days. It is a celebration for the person who has passed away, marked with nine days of prayer, sharing memories, eating, drinking and celebrating – with family, friends and neighbours.

“My belief about death and dying is that when someone dies, they end up somewhere they’ve always wanted to go or their favourite place. I like to think that my Nana who died about six years ago is somewhere with my Grandad surrounded by all the dogs and animals they had and finally putting their feet up after years of running round their seven kids and 10 grandkids!” Rachael, Ward Clerk, Bluebell Ward, CICC.

“My belief about death and dying is that when we lose a loved one, they stay with us, always. Whether that’s thinking ‘what would they say’, or remembering special times, they live on – in a different way.” Rachel, Communications & Marketing Manager.

“My belief about death and dying is that death is the end of the physical life but that the spirit lives on. As part of my faith, a Christian service would be very important to me”. Christine, Claughton Community Nursing Team.

“The Culture of Dying Matters emphasizes the importance of openly discussing death, its meaning, and the preparations people should make for the end of life. It encourages individuals to talk about their wishes… and how they would like their loved ones to remember them. In cultures where discussing death is taboo, this concept challenges traditional beliefs and promotes conversations that can help families make informed decisions before the inevitable happens… Death is an unavoidable part of life. Accepting this reality can help people live with greater purpose and appreciation for the time they have.” Gilbert, Service Director, Lead Nurse (Nursing).

Timely conversations about death and dying are essential to good end of life care. Yet all too often, barriers including lack of confidence, taboos and uncertainty about who should be having these conversations mean patients, carers and families may not get all the information and support they need.

Dying Matters helps communities come together, by encouraging those end of life conversations, whether with healthcare professionals, families, friends or colleagues.

Find out more about our End of Life Care service.

The Hospice UK website has a wealth of resources and further information, about Dying Matters Awareness Week and much more.