Why ExtraCare is encouraging people to talk about death and bereavement all this week

Dying Matters Awareness Week is a national campaign, encouraging people to talk about death, dying and bereavement.

Following on from the success of #IRemember Week late last year, we have actively encouraged our locations to plan activities in support of Dying Matters Week and help our residents to remember those who have died.

Due to the pandemic, many of us have been unable to grieve collectively and support each other, or attend funerals/memorials, when family and friends have died.

It’s really important for our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing to acknowledge this loss. Acknowledging grief in this way can help support our residents to have a healthy and healing grieving process, reducing the need for specialist help and support.

We have had a great response. Starting today, our locations have lots planned to mark the awareness week, including a balloon release, planting memorial trees, displaying memory and photo boards, holding candle light services, flowers and bulbs, having a fairy light display, and creating a reminisce corner. We welcome you to check out the photos on social media all this week.