Healthcare Organisations in Essex Call on the Community to Talk About Dying (1)

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) has joined forces with West Essex CCG, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Essex County Council and local healthcare organisations to speak out about Dying Matters during a special awareness week in Essex.

A number of events are being held as part of the Dying Matters Awareness Week (from 18 - 24 May 2015), which has been organised by the Dying Matters Coalition to encourage people to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement.

The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015 is “ 'Talk, Plan, Live'”, aimed at encouraging individuals and organisations to take the simple steps that can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. Whether it is through sharing their wishes with someone close to them, registering to become an organ donor, writing a will, considering taking out a funeral plan or making an effort to speak to someone who has been recently bereaved, members of the public can take small actions that make a real difference.

SEPT will be running several public stands in conjunction with St Clare Hospice, and welcome members of the public to drop by and visit them at any of the following locations:

Monday 18 May

• 10:30-14:30 at St Clare Hospice Shop, Epping High Street
• 12:00-14:00 at County Hall, Chelmsford

Tuesday 19 May

• 10:30-14:30 at St Clare Hospice Shop, Saffron Walden
• 12:00-14:00 at County Hall, Chelmsford

Wednesday 20 May

• 10:30-14:30 at St Clare Hospice Shop, Loughton
• 12:00-14:00 at County Hall, Chelmsford

Thursday 21 May

• 10:30-14:30 at Asda, Watergardens, Harlow
• 12:00-14:00 at County Hall, Chelmsford

Friday 22 May

• 12:00-14:00 at County Hall, Chelmsford

Come along to any of the stands where representatives from SEPT, Macmillan, Essex County Council, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Daniel Robinson and Sons funeral directors will be on hand to speak about all aspects of end of life planning and bereavement.

Tracy Reed, SEPT’s Facilitator for End of Life Care Says “Death is still a taboo which is why we are encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives. This includes where they want to be cared for die and their funeral plans.

“People should discuss their wishes with friends, family and loved ones. Our aim is to make a ‘good death’ the norm and for people to live well to die well. Talking about dying makes it more likely that you, or your loved one, will die as you might have wished and make it easier for loved ones”.

SEPT is one of 30,000 members of the national Dying Matters Coalition, with an interest in supporting changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards dying, death and bereavement.