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Hospice encourages dying matters conversations

Dying Matters

St Helena Hospice says conversations about dying, death and bereavement matter and is spotlighting its Compassionate Communities training sessions as part of national Dying Matters Awareness Week, 6th-12th May.

Participants will gain the skills and confidence to have open, honest and sensitive conversations around end of life and bereavement. Training sessions are free and open to all, including community residents, local organisations and local services.

Greg Cooper, head of partnerships at St Helena, said:

“If you’re concerned about saying the wrong thing or want to know how to talk to and comfort someone nearing the end of life or someone grieving the death of a loved one, we can help with free training sessions for community residents, local organisations and services, and for people caring for loved ones experiencing life limiting illness.

“Additionally, if you have ever wondered what a hospice looks like and what palliative care is, St Helena is offering the chance to book an appointment for one of our Friday morning guided visit of the Hospice.”

The full range of Compassionate Communities training is available on www.sthelena.org.uk/compassion and here are some of the upcoming sessions:

Compassionate Conversations, Tuesday 21st May 2024, 10-12.00pm at Dice & A Slice Café, 37 Queen St, Colchester CO1 2PQ.

The popular session looks at breaking down taboos and myths about dying, death and bereavement; normalising responses to loss; and how to have honest and compassionate conversations with people who are living with illness or people who are bereaved. To book www.sthelena.org.uk/conversations

Demystifying End of Life Care - Supporting Bereavement and Loss workshop, Wednesday 22nd May, 10.00am - 12.00pm at Greenstead Community Centre

One of a series of themed workshops focused on sharing, learning and networking with the local community and service providers; includes open discussions and group conversations about dying, death and bereavement. To book www.sthelena.org.uk/demystifying

Demystifying Care for Friends and Family

An online series of sessions led by a trained nurse, ideal for anyone who is, or could become, a caregiver for friends or family experiencing life limiting illness. Topics covered include using the significant care tool; advance care planning options; and being alongside a person in the last phase of life. Sessions are held online at 1.30pm on Tuesdays 14th May, 28th May and 4th June, and people can attend single or all of the sessions. To book www.sthelena.org.uk/demystifyingcare

Hospice Meet & Greet

A guided visit of the Hospice in Highwoods, Colchester, and a Q&A with the nursing team, followed by a cuppa and conversation with the community team. To arrange a Meet & Greet visit for up to five people, email compassionatecommunities@sthelena.org.uk or call 01206 845566.

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Hospice encourages dying matters conversations

St Helena Hospice says conversations about dying, death and bereavement matter and is spotlighting its Compassionate Communities training sessions as part of national Dying Matters Awareness Week, 6th-12th May.

Compassionate Conversations, Tuesday 21st May 2024, 10-12.00pm at Dice & A Slice Café, 37 Queen St, Colchester CO1 2PQ.