Weldmar backs 'Dying Matters' campaign (From Thisisdorset)

Weldmar backs 'Dying Matters' campaign

9:00am Sunday 21st March 2010 in

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A DORSET charity has joined the national Dying Matters Coalition to help to promote public awareness around dying, death and bereavement.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust is backing the campaign because although around 70 per cent of people say they want to die at home, 60 per cent currently die in hospitals.

The charity, which provides care to seriously ill people in north, south and west Dorset hopes to get people talking about dying, death and bereavement with our family, friends and loved ones.

The Dying Matters Coalition was set up by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC), to raise awareness and provide the support and information needed to have these conversations with loved ones.

It aims to help make dying well a natural part of a good life and through this help change attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement and raise the profile and improve end of life care.

Alison Ryan, chief executive of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, said: “100 years ago people were familiar with death – it happened more often, in the home, and to younger people.

“We have become unfamiliar with it and find sharing thoughts about our own deaths uncomfortable.

“But it is inevitable and for everyone a less stressful time if thoughts about what is important to you have been shared beforehand.

“We hope people will take this opportunity to talk in their families about their hopes and fears.

“Our experience caring for over 1300 people every year tells us that doing so makes a real difference to everyone’s experience of death and bereavement.”

Hilary Fisher, director of the Dying Matters Coalition said: “We are delighted that Weldmar Hospicecare Trust has joined the Dying Matters Coalition.

“For too long, issues of dying, death and bereavement have been perceived as too difficult or frightening to talk about.”

The Dying Matters Coalition has just under 7,000 members including organisations from across the NHS.