This Dying Matters Awareness Week (5-11 May) we invite our Milton Keynes community to join the conversation about death, dying, and grief in ways that resonate with them.
The national campaign, led by Hospice UK, encourages open and honest discussions about end of life experiences.
This year’s theme, The Culture of Dying Matters, asks the question ‘How do different communities feel, talk about and deal with death and dying?’ to help break down the stigma around talking about death. It’s a powerful reminder that how we live – and die – is deeply personal and shaped by culture, values, and community.
Throughout the week we’ll be sharing helpful information and advice, encouraging open conversations, and showing what we’re doing to better understand and learn from our neighbours.
Ways to get involved
Read Kam's story
Kam’s mum, Harbans, passed away last year in our In-Patient Unit. The care and love shown by our teams are what Kam remembers most, alongside an openness to embrace whatever Harbans needed as a Sikh in our care.
Share your memories
People generally enjoy talking about friends and family who are no longer with us, and it can be the perfect way to start a conversation. or share your story with us, Real-life stories from our patients, and their loved ones, help local people understand what we do as a hospice and why we need their support.
Come together in memory
Whilst we know the death of a loved one affects every person differently, studies of grieving brains have shown that there are no scientific differences in relation to race, age or religion. This may be why we need to come together as a community, yet still continue on our personal journeys of grief.
Make it practical
Our tip for a gentle way to start conversations about death and dying is to keep things practical. Talk about making a Will, funeral music, or Lasting Power of Attorney and you may find that conversation with your loved ones will be that little bit easier. May is Make a Will Month, where participating solicitors will write a basic Will for a suggested donation.
Dying Matters resources
Every year, people around the UK use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a moment to encourage all communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them.
