Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024 | Our Guide To Help & Support in the UK

06 May 2024 - by Cancer Care Map

Dying Matters is Hospice UK’s flagship campaign, that aims to create an open culture that talks about death and where people feel able to listen and support those who are planning for end of life, who are dying and who have been bereaved.

Having those difficult conversations with family, friends and your workplace is never easy, but there are many support organisations across the UK to help you.

“Honest, timely discussions about death and dying are so important, they can transform the end of someone’s life and give family and friends clarity over what to expect.”

Ruby Wroe, Senior Communications and Engagement Officer at Hospice UK

“This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re starting conversations about the language we use to talk about death and dying, and why it matters. Whether it’s with healthcare professionals, family, friends, or colleagues, we’re encouraging everyone to have these important conversations and to think about the words we use to have them. We hope that speaking honestly about death mean that people get the information and support they need, when they need it.”

For Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re taking a look at some of the support available to those in the UK.

Dying Matters

This unique campaign run by Hospice UK that works with individuals and the general public. It promotes awareness and support to help change knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement and aims to ensure that all people have access to high quality care and support at the end of their lives.

Compassion in Dying

This UK charity helps people choose the treatment and care that’s right for them, including at end of life. Available both online and by post, they provide free resources and information booklets including specific materials for Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, LGBT and faith groups.

Coordinate My Care

This NHS tool coordinates care for those at end-of-life. It aims to reduce hospital admissions in the last 90 days of life by by sharing information such as diagnosis, medical details, resuscitation status, medication, and recommendations for urgent care services.

Working With Cancer

This organisation provides support for people living with cancer and carers to manage work related matters in a safe and sustainable manner. It also offers guidance for employers to better support employees dealing with cancer. 

At A Loss

This charity has a simple aim, to help bereaved people find support. It signposts bereaved people to national and local sources of support in their local area and runs a free 6 week, online course using films and small groups to help people work through their grief. It also offers free professional support via its online GriefChat service.

Cruse Bereavement Support

National charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It offers emotional support, advice and information to children, young people and adults who are bereaved. There is a freephone national helpline, local services, a website and hopeagain.org.uk aimed specifically for children and young people. Services are provided by a network of trained volunteers and are confidential and free.