Our End-of-Life teams are encouraging people to get talking about death, dying and grief in whatever way, shape or form works for them for Dying Matters Awareness Week.

The national campaign, which runs from 5 to 11 May, aims to open up conversations around death and dying. This year’s theme focuses on the culture of dying matters. Our teams working across NHS Humber Health Partnership are holding various events as part of the national campaign.

Alex Wray, Matron for End-of-Life Care at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Dying is something which affects us all, but how we talk about it—and how we experience it—can be deeply shaped by our culture, beliefs, and personal values.

“I am passionate about making sure everyone, no matter their background, feels listened to and supported when facing the end of life. By opening up honest, compassionate conversations and respecting cultural differences, we can all play a part in ensuring dying well is something everyone has the chance to do – with dignity, comfort, and choice.”

Chair of the local Dying Matters group in North Lincolnshire, Alison Redhead, who also works as an End-of-Life Lead Nurse at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Honest, timely discussions about death and dying are so important, as this can aid in ensuring the person’s dying wishes are respected and carried out to meet their individual needs at the end of their life. We hope that speaking honestly about death means people get the information and support they need, when they need it.”

Pictured are Lauren Latimer and Catriona Cameron who work in the specialist palliative care team at NLaG at one of last year’s events

The North Lincolnshire Dying Matters group – which is made up of representatives from across the hospital, as well as hospices, charities, carers support services, funeral directors, and solicitors – will be out and about on the following days:

• Tuesday 6 May, 11am to1.30pm, at Grimsby hospital, main restaurant
• Wednesday 7 May, 10.30am to 12pm, at Living Later Life Well project, coffee morning, Barton-upon-Humber
• Wednesday 7 May, 9am to 3pm, Health Bus, Brigg Garden Centre
• Thursday 8 May, 8.30am to 2pm, Brigg Market
• Friday 9 May, 9am to 3pm, Scunthorpe Market
• Friday 16 May, 9am to 3pm, Freeman Street market, Grimsby.

Make sure you pop along and have a chat. It could be about how to start a conversation on how to record your wishes for your funeral, considering registering as an organ donor or speaking to your loved ones.

In Hull, end-of-life care professionals and local organisations who support patients and families during some of life’s most challenging times are inviting staff, patients, carers, and visitors to stop by and have a chat. Alex said: “Please do pop down and learn more about the support available and join in meaningful conversations about end-of-life care. Let’s continue working together to make dying matter.”

The events are being held on:

• Tuesday 6 May, 10am to 2pm, main foyer of Hull Royal Infirmary
• Wednesday 7 May, 10am to 2pm, Queens Centre, Castle Hill Hospital.