Death — it’s time to talk

Pauline Brierley . . . “Death is a natural part of life”

LIFTING the taboo on talking about death and dying is a difficult issue about to come under the spotlight at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The Royton hospice will host the event — “Dying Matters” — on Monday in a bid to encourage people to talk openly about bereavement, life and death.

Sister Pauline Brierley, from Dr Kershaw’s, has helped to care for many people as their lives draw to a close.

She said: “Death is a natural part of life, yet we often avoid discussing it with our loved ones.”

Only one in three people have discussed their wishes around dying, and she said this event aimed to encourage people to talk about their wishes and plan for the end of their life.

Sister Brierley said being open about death and dying helped people experience death in a positive way, and could help those left behind to remember their loved ones in the same way.

During the event, people will be invited to take part in a “bucket list” competition, inspired by the 2007 film of the same name starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.

The list is for things people would like to do before they “kick the bucket”, and the hospice wants people to submit their own list of five activities or experiences they aim to make happen during their lives.

The writer of the most inspirational list will win a 25-mile helicopter ride, courtesy of Diggle-based Pennine Helicopters.

The event is part of a national drive to raise awareness of the Dying Matters Coalition, of which Dr Kershaw’s is a member.

Set up by the National Council for Palliative Care, the coalition aims to help make dying well a natural part of a good life.

It wants to change attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement and raise the profile of and improve end-of-life care.

Urging people to go to the event, coalition director Hilary Fisher said: “Around 70 per cent of people say they would like to die at home, but currently around 60 per cent die in hospital.

“If we don’t talk about what we want with our loved ones, friends and GPs, how will they be able to help us achieve our wishes?

“Talking about death doesn’t bring it closer. It’s about planning for life and making the most of the time that you have.”

The event takes place at the hospice in Turf Lane, Royton, on Monday, April 12, from 1-4pm.

There will be a chance to talk to healthcare professionals and spiritual advisers, and information to help people make choices about end-of-life care.