This week (4th – 10th May) is Dying Matters Awareness Week, a campaign ran by Hospice UK.
The theme this year is ‘Let’s talk about death and dying‘, encouraging everyone to have conversations about death and dying in whatever way they choose. Talking about death isn’t always easy, and sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start.
At Eden Valley Hospice, we support people through death, dying and grief – ensuring that everyone is guided through the emotional and practical aspects of death that are similar for us all.
Liz Gittins, our Social Worker, often meets people in the weeks, days and hours before death. Liz said;
“I see everyday how important these conversations are. Talking about death and dying brings peace and clarity to the patients and families I have the honour of spending time with at the hospice. Everyone comes with a different story and part of our role is to honour that, to listen for what matters most and to help people to feel seen and heard, just as they are.”
Planning for the future isn’t always easy. But it can also be one of the most meaningful things we do – for ourselves and for the people we love. The important thing to remember is this: you don’t have to make big decisions all at once. Taking small steps – a conversation, a thought written down, or simply learning about your options – can make a real difference later on.
Many people feel unsure where to start, or worry about saying the wrong thing. Our Living Well team supports patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Liz, one of our social workers, listens and offers guidance, helping people make sense of things when everything can feel heavy or uncertain.
That support might involve talking through funeral wishes, organising important information, or helping someone think about practical matters like finances, digital accounts, and life admin. Often, it’s about the little things too – the details that matter to you.
When we talk about planning ahead, people often think about practicalities. Having a Will, for example, can make an enormous difference for the people you leave behind – not only in terms of finances or who will deal with your affairs, but also in understanding your wishes.
Something as simple as knowing where important paperwork is kept, what bank accounts exist, or even where your favourite item of clothing lives can ease the burden on those who are grieving.
But there’s an emotional side too. Talking with the people close to you about what you would – and wouldn’t – want can be just as important. Whether that’s where you would prefer to be cared for, who you’d want with you, or even something very personal, like whether you’d still want to wear your lipstick no matter what.
These conversations can feel hard to start, but they can also be incredibly comforting – for you and for those who love you.
There’s no right or wrong way to take part in Dying Matters Awareness Week. For some, it might be a heartfelt conversation with someone close. For others, it may be simply taking a moment to reflect on what matters most.
We know how lonely and isolating it can feel when you’re facing end-of-life decisions or supporting someone else through them. That’s why we believe in equipping people with the knowledge, confidence and understanding they need to express their wishes and know what support is available.
Because when your wishes are known, it can bring peace of mind – not just for you, but for the people you love.
