Dying Matters is a coalition of organisations which was set up to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
They are aiming to bring about a fundamental change in society in which dying, death and bereavement will be seen and accepted as the natural part of everybody's life cycle. Changes in the way our society now views dying and death have impacted on the experience of people who are dying and bereaved.
Our lack of openness 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.
The Dying Matters Coalition is working to address this by encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives, including where they want to die and their funeral plans with friends, family and loved ones.
Dying Matters Week aims to help you start those conversations because palliative care, medical and bereavement professionals know from experience that talking about dying makes it more likely that you, or your loved one, will die as you might have wished.
Equally importantly, it will make it easier for your loved ones if they know you have had a 'good death'.
Today sees the start of Dying Matters week. Florence Nightingale Hospice are holding a series of "Death Cafe" events.
At a Death Café people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.
Death Café was founded by Jon Underwood based on the work of Bernard Crettaz.
The founders of Death Café say that their objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives".
A Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
Florence Nightingale Hospice invites you to come and discuss death and dying at our Death Café events at the following times and places:
- Monday 14th May, 2pm-4pm at Drake Day Room, Amersham Hospital
- Tuesday 15th May, 2pm-4pm at Marlow Community Hospital
- Wednesday 16th May, 2pm-4pm at Thame Community Hospital, East Street, Thame
- Friday 18th May, 2pm-4pm at Florence Nightingale Hospice in the Day Hospice
- Friday 18th May, 2pm-4pm at Buckingham Hospital
- Saturday 19th May, 11am-1pm, The Education Suite, Walton Lodge, Walton Street or parking via William Harding Close
Tea, coffee and cake will be provided (for a donation). Entry is free although not all the venues have free parking so please check in advance.
For more information, please see the FNHC website
