To support Dying Matters Awareness Week ehospice is pleased to publish in full their latest newsletter…. There are now just five days to go until the start of Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 – 11 May) and we couldn’t be more excited to see communities come together to talk about death and dying.
The week will be packed full of activity to help you get the most out of this year’s theme, ‘The Culture of Dying Matters.’
Dying Matters stories
To explore what the culture of dying means, we asked Dying Matters and Hospice UK supporters to share their experiences.
Because whilst everyone’s experience is different from the next person’s, and might set different cultures and faiths apart, there is a common thread between everyone that brings us together.
Their stories have helped form the basis of our Awareness Week resources this year.
‘Death connects me with my ancestors’
Berna, a volunteer at St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, shares how she views death and dying:
“Somehow when I dive deep into my grief, there is a connection with my ancestors, in our shared blood that is running in our veins, coming from thousands of years back. Having that connection is giving me the power to be able to stand in that grief somehow.”
‘A simple gesture represents a profound approach to death’
Cathriona, a hospice clinician, shares her experience of death in her culture:
“At the funeral, one of the most vivid memories I have is the number of people who shook my hand in condolence. There were (and this is not uncommon) hundreds and local lads got high vis jackets on to manage the traffic. I was even advised not to wear rings, as my hand would become sore from the sheer volume of handshakes. This simple gesture represents something profound about the Irish approach to death: it is not something to be faced alone. There is an outpouring of support, a collective recognition of loss, and a shared responsibility to hold each other through grief.
If you’re planning an event or sharing Awareness Week information in Wales, then our Welsh language versions of both the Library and main Supporter resource packs are for you. You’ll also find a Welsh language version of our ‘Talking Points’ conversation starter cards.
Remember someone you love – and win tickets to RHS Chelsea
Dying Matters supporters can be a part of RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. For Hospice UK’s Garden of Compassion, the charity is helping people remember someone they love, by dedicating a virtual ‘Together Pebble’ to them.
By making that dedication by Monday 5th May, you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower show – where you’ll get the chance to place your dedication pebble into the bowl on our garden itself.
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