A number of charities and organisations in Sheffield are holding a series of activities for Dying Matters awareness week.
A philosophical enquiry session took place at Kelham Island this week which kicked off the month’s events. The exploration of why dying matters will be conducted in different ways including workshops, performances, music and exhibition in the following weeks.
What is Dying Matters?
Dying Matters is a campaign launched by Hospice UK, a national charity, to encourage more discussions over death and create an open atmosphere where people could feel more comfortable to talk about their grief.
Dying Matters Awareness week is an annual event that offers an opportunity for all communities around the country to get involved in this conversation about death. Dying Matters Awareness week is set to take place from May 8 to 14 and will focus on loss and grief in the workplace.
Why is it important?
According to Hospice UK, many people have a difficult time dealing with the inevitable problem of life due to the stigma surrounding grief and a lack of understanding about what it means to be ill.
Workplaces are no exception. Data from Hospice UK shows 57% of employees have encountered loss in the past five years, and Carers UK reveals that more than 600 people quit their jobs every day to provide care for elderly or disabled loved ones. However, more than four in five managers say they are unsure how to support a bereaved employee.
Imogen Thomas, Senior Brand and Campaigns Manager at Hospice UK, said: “Dying Matters Awareness Week is a great way for communities across the UK to get this conversation started.”
What events are taking place in Sheffield?
People gathered at the Millowners Arms, a pub near Kelham Island museum, to explore the issue of what death means to people.
Moya Barnett, 21, a carpenter, attended the workshop. She said: “I think it is something that people don’t talk about enough.
“Listening to other people’s opinions helps me form my own opinions and accept things more.”
Rosie Carnall, 53, who hosted the session, said discussion over death is important and helps people realise “we’ve got such a special thing to be alive”.
Lily Elbra, 50, a volunteer from Compassionate Sheffield, said: “We open up the conversation around death and being compassionate to each other and help people understand better about death and feel more satisfied in life.”
More information could be found on the Compassionate Sheffield website.
How can people get bereavement support?
For those who are suffering from grief and loss, it is not necessary to deal with it alone. Here are several available support from both national and local authorities.
Get help with grief after bereavement or loss – NHS
What to do after someone dies: Bereavement help and support – GOV.UK