The way we talk about dying matters, and conversations about death and dying are essential to good end-of-life care.

Yet, we tend to find that there are often barriers surrounding these conversations, including confusion, lack of confidence, and taboos around discussing death.

This Dying Matters Awareness Week (May 6 to 12), communities are encouraged to have open, honest, and timely discussions about death.

This year’s theme focuses on the language used when we have conversations about death, particularly between healthcare professionals, patients, carers and their families.

As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, Bury Hospice has partnered with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to deliver a fantastic evening of education that will support these transparent conversations.

The event, titled, Dying Matters: The Medico-Legal Aspects Of Life-Limiting Illness, takes place on Wednesday, May 8 from 5pm to 8.30pm at the hospice.

Engaging presentations covering aspects of death, dying and grief, will encorage people to talk and share key insights on matters including occupational diseases, record keeping, the legal aspects of treating people with a life-limiting condition, managing your own wellbeing, and best interests decisions and deprivation of liberties.

This event is a great opportunity for attendees to meet with health and social care professionals, while offering the chance of having a short tour of the hospice.

Bury Times: Bury Hospice CEO Helen LockwoodBury Hospice CEO Helen Lockwood (Image: Bury Hospice)

We want people in the local community to feel informed, empowered, and supported when attending the upcoming training, which will provide a full understanding of what information and support is available to them as they navigate one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.

Helen Tomlin, senior associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Every week, we are talking to patients and carers who are living with life-limiting conditions, following a serious accident or the development of an occupational condition, such as the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. Their dignity in these circumstances is a source of inspiration to us all.

“This Dying Matters week, we are looking forward to speaking to medical professionals about the legal aspects of assisting patients with life-limiting conditions, to ensure that appropriate conversations around the legal implications of a diagnosis can be held, and to assist practitioners with practical tips to support themselves when dealing with patients and families who find themselves in very difficult situations.”

Bury Times: Senior associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, Helen TomlinSenior associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, Helen Tomlin (Image: Supplied)

Please join us for The Medico-Legal Aspects of Life-Limiting Illness on Wednesday, May 8 from 5pm to 9pm at Bury Hospice, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, BL9 7RG

Head to https://events.irwinmitchell.com/dyingmattersweekburyhospice to register.

The event is free of charge, but donations to the hospice are welcome.