News
Having the conversations that matter
8 May 2026
The theme for Dying Matters Awareness Week this year is ‘Let’s talk about death and dying’.
We know that starting these conversations can feel incredibly hard, which may make you want to avoid the topic all together. However, when we don’t talk about death and dying, it can sometimes make the experience even harder for ourselves and for the people we love.
To help you start the conversation, we asked our social media followers to share what they were glad they talked about with someone close to them before they died. Here’s what they shared:
“My husband wanted to leave everyone a special gift to remember him plus some of his precious belongings that held immense memories. Am glad we spoke, chose the presents together, and gave his special memories to those loved ones he wanted them to go to. Especially as a couple I would have kept for myself. A small thing but immense power.”
“The difficult conversations will make it so much easier for those who are left behind. It’s difficult to say when you’re gone, when you’re not here, but believe me it makes it a little easier when they have gone, as sad as it is to talk about. Sadly, we were given 8 weeks with my husband, but in that time we chatted and got married. He could only fight for 5 of those weeks. Life can be so cruel sometimes, but at least he is in no more pain.”
“Having the opportunity to talk is really important, to raise questions, name fears, talk with loved ones about wishes, and have those deep conversations we don’t always get chance to have in everyday life.”
Helen Lailey – Social Worker
How to start the conversation
Talking about death can feel difficult, but open conversations can really help. We’ve shared some simple ideas within our EPiC Resource Centre to get you started here.
We’ve also created a series of short films that explore common questions and concerns around death and dying, and offer gentle ways to begin these conversations. You’re welcome to share the videos or use them as a starting point.
Explore our EPiC Resource Centre
If you’re looking for further information about the hospice and end-of-life and palliative care, make sure you explore our EPiC Resource Centre. You will find explanatory guides and, where relevant, we signpost to specialist organisations and charities, such as Age UK, Cruse Bereavement and GOV.UK, for further support.
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