Dying Matters: Honest conversations needed, says group

Dying Matters Awareness Week runs from 6-12 May, with a number of events planned

People are being encouraged to talk more about death.

The North Lincolnshire Dying Matters (NLDM) group is holding a number of events to "open up conversations about death".

The drop-in sessions coincide with Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 6-12 May.

Chairwoman Alison Redhead said: "Honest, timely discussions about death and dying are so important."

Ms Redhead added: "We hope that speaking honestly about death means people get the information and support they need when they need it."

NLDM is made up of representatives from across the health sector, as well as hospices, funeral directors and charities.

Sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday 7 May, 10:00 - 14:00 BST, Arc Community Centre, Westcliff, Scunthorpe

• Wednesday 8 May, 10.30 - 12:00 BST, Trinity Church, Barton Upon Humber

• Friday 10 May, 10:00 - 15:00 BST, Morrisons, Scunthorpe

• Friday 10 May, 09:00 - 15:00, St John's Market, Scunthorpe

• Friday 17 May, 10:00 - 15:00, RDASH bus, Tesco car park, Scunthorpe

• Friday 17 May, 09:00 - 15:00, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby

Teams from Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) will also be holding events to mark the awareness week.

Staff will be manning an information stand in the main foyer at Hull Royal Infirmary on 7, 8 and 9 May, between 11:00 BST and 15:00 BST.

Alex Wray, HUTH's matron for end of life care, said: "When a patient is in hospital and coming towards the end of their life, the elephant in the room is sometimes having the courage to have those difficult conversations about death and dying.

"Whether it's with healthcare professionals, family, friends, or colleagues, we're encouraging everyone to have these important conversations and to think about the words we use to have them."