A national campaign exploring the ways different communities approach death, dying and grief has been welcomed as an “important conversation to tackle”.
Dying Matters Awareness Week is being organised by national charity Hospice UK and runs from today until Sunday (5th to 11th May).
This year’s theme is The Culture of Dying Matters, highlighting different attitudes, views and practices when it comes to death and dying.
Penny McIntosh, a Matron at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), believes it is a big topic but important to cover.
“I welcome this theme and talking point, because there’s lots to learn from having conversations about the culture of dying,” she said.
“It’s clear people’s response to it can be very different.
“Aside from the religious aspect, some people come from countries where infant death is more commonplace.
“In other cases, the word ‘hospice’, and concept of hospice care, doesn’t even exist.
“Then there are other groups to consider. For instance, there’s a big travelling community in East Anglia.
“We all have our own culture, and we’re here to help everyone navigate that journey, regardless of their faith, background or the community they belong to.”
Penny says her colleagues work on a case-to-case basis and always respect and accommodate different cultures.
“It means we’re respectful of religious beliefs, while also being curious and eager to learn more about cultural differences in other countries,” she said.
“We want to know how people have been impacted by their life experiences, and how we can support them accordingly.
“When we first meet a family, and do our holistic needs assessment, we ask ‘what’s really important to you?’.
“That conversation forms the basis of the way we manage their care and support, and in some cases care at end of life.
“If people want their wider family involved, because that’s part of their culture, we’ll do everything possible to ensure that happens.
“Equally, if a family’s culture is to be private, and they don’t want everyone crowding round, our hospices can be their safe haven.
“As an organisation, we’re curious and eager to ask the right questions, to ensure we’re entirely supportive of a family’s individual needs, rather than making assumptions.”
Events and activities are taking place across the UK to mark Dying Matters Awareness Week.
The aim is to encourage open and honest discussions about end-of-life experiences, delving into the diverse ways communities discuss, navigate and commemorate death and dying.
“It’s such a huge, interesting topic and important to open a conversation of this nature,” added Penny.
“As a team, we learn so much from supporting families of different faiths and cultures.
“As we say to families, we’ll be whatever you want us to be, providing whatever support you need, because you can’t replay the last moments of a child’s life.
“That’s culture in itself. We’re always quick to associate the word with religion and different countries, but actually it’s about a family’s uniqueness.”
Chris White, Hospice UK’s Senior Digital Marketing and Campaign Manager, is looking forward to different communities joining the conversation about death, dying and grief during Dying Matters Awareness Week.
“Talking about death and dying is never easy, but it’s vital,” he said.
“Honest and timely conversations can ensure people get the support they need and help loved ones better understand their wishes.
“This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re focusing on the diverse cultural approaches to death and dying within the UK and how those perspectives can inspire more open, meaningful discussions in every community.
“We hope that by sharing and learning from these experiences, we can create a society where talking about death is less of a taboo and where everyone feels empowered to have these conversations.”
