St Barnabas supports the National Awareness Week, Dying Matters from Monday 13th May 2019 with advice, activities and displays planned around the county. This year the theme is ‘Are We Ready’.
Dying Matters is a partnership of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
St Barnabas, along with supporters Waterside Shopping Centre, Andrew and Co, Lincolnshire Coop, 200 Degrees Coffee and local poet and illustrator Andrew Baile plan to myth bust, support and encourage conversations in May.
Amelia Chambers, Marketing and Communications Manager from St Barnabas Hospice says;
“Our mission is to ensure that everyone facing the end of their life from diagnosis in Lincolnshire receives dignified, compassionate care, but for that to happen we need to encourage people of whatever age to start thinking about death and dying. Having conversations about our own death is never easy but planning for the inevitable will reduce worry and heartache for your loved ones.”
Head of Wills and Estate Planning at Andrew & Co Solicitors Helen Newson says;
“It goes against every instinct to start planning for our death, but we all need to look ahead and ask ‘What if? “It’s so important to think about letting your family know what you want at the end of life, so you can make sure your wishes are carried out. Getting your affairs in order while you are still fit and well will also make it easier for the people you leave behind. We are delighted to be supporting St Barnabas Hospice throughout the week.”
Andrew Baille, Local illustrator and writer explains;
“It is such an honour to be asked by St Barnabas to contribute towards the Dying Matters Awareness Week. The topic of dying is one we all have in common, but so often neglect to discuss openly until perhaps it is too late.
“As Artists, I believe we have a duty to highlight the conversations we struggle with as a society and help open them up. Through art, we can help to initiate a dialogue when we feel lost for words, breaking down the taboos, perhaps even taking comfort in the joyous moments we can make as family as we prepare for those final days. If we can come to the point to ask ourselves that simple question, “Are We Ready?”, then we have already overcome the greatest obstacle.”
The county wide Hospice care provider will host death cafes in Lincoln and Spalding a piece of live art and advice hub in the Waterside Centre from Wednesday 15th April offering free coffee from 200 degrees, Andrew and Co will be on hand to discuss issues relating to Will’s and administration of an estate and funeral planning with Lincolnshire Coop. The St Barnabas wellbeing team members will be talking through their day care, Hospice at Home and complimentary therapies, which are all offered for free through the service.
To find out more about Dying Matters and St Barnabas Hospice visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk or follow St Barnabas Hospice on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #StBDyingMatters
Dying Matters from 13th to 19th May 2019
Dying Matters display, Waterside Shopping Centre
From Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th May.
Interactive Bucket List and Forget Me Not boards will be on display, alongside a eco-friendly coffin supplied by Lincolnshire Coop.
Death Café, Spalding St Barnabas Café
Thursday 16th May from 10am to 12noon.
Death Café, 200 Degrees, Lincoln
Saturday 19th May from 2pm to 4pm