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Hospice UK's Dying Matters campaign is working with you to create an open culture in which we're comfortable talking about death, dying and grief.
*Also known as 'Demystifying Death Week' in Scotland.
We’re shining a light on the importance of talking about death, dying, and planning ahead — with honesty, compassion, and support.
Throughout the week of 5 - 12 May we'll be sharing helpful content including:
- Planning your final wishes
- Registering a death - what to expect
- The Role of End of Life Doulas
- A special talk on understanding palliative care
PLUS, we're giving away copies of 'The Death Book', a practical and thoughtful guide to help you plan and record your wishes.
Order your FREE copy here.
Special thanks to Takeda UK for funding our Dying Matters Week giveaway.
And don’t forget to join the conversation throughout the week in our private Facebook group ‘2nds Together’, — a safe space for our secondary breast cancer community to reflect, share, and connect.
Tuesday: Planning Your Final Wishes
On Tuesday, we're sharing a deeply important conversation about something many of us avoid thinking about — planning for the end of life. In this pre-recorded chat, we speak with Kristie Scott aka The Death Planner who guides us through the process of making your final wishes known, from practical steps such as will writing and letter of wishes, through to the emotional side of planning ahead. It’s about taking control, and making sure your values and choices are honoured.
Wednesday: What Happens Next - Registering A Death
Today we're sharing a practical blog that walks through the important steps of registering a death. It covers who is responsible, where you need to go, and what documents you'll need — as well as what happens next, including death certificates, funeral arrangements, and handling financial matters.
Visit our blog, written by Emma Frith - Registration Team Leader.
Thursday: The Role of an End of Life Doula
Today our blog post introduces the compassionate work of End of Life Doulas — offering emotional and practical, non-medical support to those facing a terminal diagnosis. Learn how they help you feel more in control, create a plan that reflects your wishes, and support both you and your loved ones through this journey.
Find out more about End of Life Doulas here.
Friday: Understanding Palliative Care
Today we’re sharing a pre-recorded talk from Dr Daniel Monnery — a familiar face from our 2024 Patient Summit. In this session, Dr Daniel Monnery, a Consultant of Palliative Medicine based at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, breaks down the common confusion around palliative care: what it really is, when the right time to access it might be, and what your options are, including hospice care and hospice at home.
Other resources
Revisit our blog from our supporter Emily, who shared her story of losing her mum to secondary breast cancer and what hospice at home care looked like for her family.
Please also visit our Palliative & Supportive Care section on the website for more information.
These honest, informative conversations can help bring clarity and reassurance during uncertain times.