Martlets Hospice is holding two events to encourage local people to talk about what they’d like to happen at the end of life. The Conversations for Life events are friendly and informal sessions using a film and a card game to facilitate discussion. The events are free and being held at the Martlets Hospice on Wednesday May 15 at 2pm – 4pm and on Thursday May 16 at 7pm – 9pm.
The Martlets will also have a stand at a Funeral Fair on Tuesday, May 14, 10 am – 4pm at Hove Town Hall. Sussex Funeral Services are holding the fair which is free and open to everyone. Stalls holders will include funeral directors, solicitors, charities, local horse and carriage masters as well as a local white dove company.
The events are part of the Dying Matters Awareness Week (May 13-19, 2013), which has been organised by the Dying Matters Coalition to encourage people to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement. Throughout Dying Matters Awareness Week, events and activities are being held up and down the country to raise awareness about end of life issues.
Dawn Allen, Chaplain at the Martlets Hospice and Conversations for Life facilitator, said:
“Talking about what you want to happen when you reach the end of your life may be one of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have with a loved one. But it may be one of the most important. The Conversations for Life cards are like an ‘icebreaker’ to help you talk through what you think is going to be important to you. Some of the wishes on the cards are “to be able to talk about what frightens me” “to prevent arguments by making sure my family knows what I want” “to be free from pain” I’ve found that every time a person experiences a Conversations for Life session, the response is similar, I need to talk to my family when I get home…”
The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2013 is Be ready for it, an action-focused call to action aimed at encouraging members of the public to take five simple steps to make their end of life experience better, both for them and for their loved ones.
The five steps are:
• 1. Make a will
• 2. Record your funeral wishes
• 3. Plan your future care and support
• 4. Register as an organ donor
• 5. Tell your loved ones your wishes
For more details, CLICK HERE: www.themartlets.org.uk/home/index.html
You must be logged in to post a comment.