Join the conversation about death & dying with Willow Wood

Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the local community to join in the important conversation about death and dying during Dying Matters Week.

The Hospice is once again supporting Hospice UK’s national campaign, which runs from 4th to 10th May.

This year’s theme is ‘Let’s talk about Death and Dying’, which will focus on the importance of conversations about death and dying – with family, friends, employers, anyone in your life – helping you to get the conversation started.

According to research carried out by Hospice UK, 27 per cent of people find it hard to talk about death with family or friends, and 30 per cent bottle their feelings up.

During the week, Willow Wood will be hosting an interactive market place event at the Hospice.

Members of the public, colleagues from health and social care across both acute and community teams, faith leaders, funeral directors and other charities are all welcome to come along.

On Wednesday 6th May, the interactive market place event at the Hospice is a chance for individuals, families and professionals to come together, where leading professionals in the field can offer insight, interactive resources and information about opening up the conversation about death and dying.

There will be a wide range of compassionate organisations and experts present, including the Hospice’s own Wellbeing, Therapy, Dementia, Complementary Therapy, Fundraising, Inpatient Unit and Family Support teams.

Visitors can also connect with specialists in oral healthcare and organ donation, alongside charities such as The Cinnamon Trust, Widowed & Young (WAY), and Macmillan.

The Hospice is also pleased to welcome community partners like Bromley Solicitors, Featherbed Tales, and Elite Funeral Services, as well as guest speakers from Elite Funeral Services and Dukinfield Crematorium, offering insightful talks throughout the afternoon.

There are two sessions you can come along to – from 12pm to 1.30pm and from 2pm to 3.30pm, at the Hospice based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).

Limited spaces are available and free tickets must be booked in advance online at www.willowwood.org.uk/dying-matters

Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Dying Matters Week gives us a unique opportunity to approach some of the taboos and fears that still surround death and dying.

“Our interactive market place event at the Hospice will be a welcoming space to ask questions, learn more and take part in open conversations, so please come along if you can.”

For more information about any of the events or Dying Matters Week, contact Rachael at education@willowwood.org.uk or on 0161 330 1100.