Lincolnshire community encouraged to talk about death during national Dying Matters week

St Barnabas Hospice staff are preparing to talk with local people about death, dying and bereavement as part of a national campaign week

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be encouraging the local community to raise awareness of the importance of talking about dying and how to best prepare.

There are events across the county, including the infamous Death Café which will be held at Angel Café, Free School Lane, LN2 1EY on Sunday 20^th May 4 – 6pm.

Members of staff from St Barnabas have once again teamed up with the Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln, LN2 1AP. From 14^th – 20^th May, those visiting the centre will be offered the chance to answer three emotive questions about their lives. It not only offers the opportunity to discuss end-of-life and gain more awareness of talking about dying.

The awareness week continues across the county on Monday 14^th May with a Nurse-led coffee morning at Grantham Day Therapy, Barrowby Road, NG31 8AF, from 10am – 12 noon. On Tuesday 15^th May St Barnabas Hospice will be at the Burgh Le Marsh friendship group at Windmill Café, Skegness, PE24 5JT, from 10.30am – 12 noon.

Lisa Gibson, Community Development Officer for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“Over half a million people die in the UK each year; yet talking about dying, death and bereavement is something that many people find challenging. We are hoping that the boards will get people talking and start conversations around dying, death and bereavement.

“Death will have an impact on everyone’s lives at some point and talking about it means we are better prepared to support each other when it does happen. People may think it sounds morbid but the boards and the coffin project are as much about life as they are death.

“It is about encouraging people to make the most of the time they have and to put plans in place so that they can get on with living.”

The community coffin project will return for 2018 as part of a wider initiative to promote Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 14^th – 20^th May. The annual campaign urges people to talk more openly and make plans for the end of life.