Talking about dying can be awkward and painful, but according to recent research 71% of the public agree that if people in Britain felt more comfortable discussing dying, death and bereavement it would be easier to have our end of life wishes met (ComRes 2015).
The Dying Matters coalition was founded in 2009, and was set up to encourage people to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, as well as thinking ahead for when their time inevitably comes.
Every year, Dying Matters have a dedicated Awareness Week, which is committed time for people to have these conversations.
To support this hugely significant week, there are a number of events happening around our Diocese:
LEEDS
St Gemma’s will be holding a Dying Matters event at Leeds Museum on Tuesday 10th May and are inviting people to come and talk about death, dying, planning, funerals, bereavement… if it’s on your mind, come and talk it through with our experts. http://static.ow.ly/docs/Dying%20Matters%20advert%202016_4IVU.pdf
BRADFORD
Funeral homes in the Bradford area are inviting local people to join them for a coffee, cake and a chat – it’s a simple as that. Pop into your nearest funeral home and a member of the team will be delighted to speak with you Bradford’s Big Conversation for Dying Matters Awareness Week on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May, between 11am and 1pm. http://www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk/event/take-part-in-bradfords-big-conversation-for-dying-matters-awareness-week-130-legrams-lane-may/
A group of staff and students at the University of Bradford, along with external partners, are inviting people to a free interactive conference on Monday 16 May, 9-4.30pm, looking at compassionate communities. The group is also hosting a death café in the Atrium on Tuesday 17 May and there will be another held at Marie Curie Hospice Bradford on Thursday 19 May. Both take place 10am – 4pm and provide a natural space for conversations about death and dying. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/health/news-and-events/events/lets-talk-death-compassionate-communities-event.php
Growing Old Grace-fully have developed a workshop which provides a safe space for people to explore these sensitive issues, including what our own Catholic perspective offers. If your Parish are interested in holding a Living Well, Dying Well workshop, or simply want to know more, please call Rachel on 07702 255142 or email growing.old.gracefully@dioceseofleeds.org.uk .