Have your say during Dying Matters Week
The right time to talk?
This year’s Dying Matters Week theme is ‘dying to be heard’. For many people, it won’t feel the right time to talk because of recent bereavements, of loved ones, friends or acquaintances. If you would like support on this, there are details of bereavement services at the bottom of this article. Others might feel it’s just not something they want to think about right now. That’s absolutely fine.
But you might feel that it could be helpful to think through and chat about the topic. If you’re interested in this opportunity to explore ideas about death and dying, here are three ways you can speak up.
Three ways to speak up
1. Take part in a Death Cafe
Death cafes are friendly, informal sessions where you can chat with others about any aspect of death and dying you would like to explore in these difficult times. Healthwatch Lambeth is hosting two cafes on zoom (using internet or phone) for local people:
Monday 11 May, 3-4.30pm
Thursday 14 May, 5-6.30pm
To book your place, register online or give us a call
07943 986 256
2. Make an advance care plan
You can speak up by making an advance care plan now to record your future treatment and care wishes. So, if you become critically unwell, for example with Covid-19, your loved ones and care professionals will know what you do and don’t want. Find out how to make an advance care plan.
For unpaid/informal carers, Carers Hub Lambeth is running an advance care planning information session on Friday 15 May in the afternoon, which you can join by internet or phone. To register your interest, contact the Carers Hub team:
020 7501 8970
3. Become an advance care planning Champion
Help spread the word about how people can record their future treatment and care wishes, with the Lambeth advance care planning project. We’re looking for volunteer Champions to help run stalls and workshops across Lambeth to raise awareness about advance care planning. Team members will receive training and support every step of the way. You’ll also have the chance to help devise alternative ways to deliver activities during the covid-19 pandemic. Take a look at the Champion role description.
Bereavement support
Cruse Lambeth offers local bereavement support and has Covid-19 resources:
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/south-east/lambeth
Here is a list of other organisations providing bereavement support and advice, all available by phone:
