People usually want to do the right thing when someone they know is caring, dying or grieving. But often they can feel awkward offering help, or worry about making things worse.
People often have questions about serious illness or death. But often they don't know who to ask.
Making plans when you’re healthy means there is less to think about when you’re ill. But often people put off making plans until it is too late.
Since the first death awareness week back in 2013, each May, people across Scotland organise local events giving people the chance to talk about death, dying and bereavement.
Organising face-to-face events has become impossible for a while, but the need for opportunities to discuss death, dying and bereavement is more relevant than ever.
This year, Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief is offering people support to bring their events online - find out more here: holding an online event.
Are you planning an event? If so, please get in touch - we'd love to promote it on our website and social media.
Various resources are available for those wishing to organise an event:
- Leaflets - giving ideas of how to provide support
- Origami game and Conversation Menu - to help get conversations started
- It Takes a Village - a photo exhibition highlighting different supportive roles.
- Films - providing various personal experiences of ill health and death.
All these resources and more are available here, and watch out for the new suite of short films being launched during Demystifying Death Week itself.
Demystifying Death Week is a good time to share information and education about some of important subjects that people sometimes worry about bringing up.
Here are some resources worth sharing...
Demystifying death
What happens when someone is dying?
Covid-19
Covid-19 - Hoping for the best, planning for the worst
What can I do when I can't be with someone I love?
Planning ahead
The Reluctant Planners Guide to Death and Dying
Children and young people
Whole School Approach to Supporting Loss and Bereavement
Demystifying Death Week takes place across Scotland. It coincides with Dying Matters Week, organised by our sister organisation, Dying Matters, in England. You can check out Dying Matters Week here: Dying Matters Week.
Misty road - Remi Skatulski; Light bulb - Diego PH; Silhouette - Fraser Cameron Photography; Books - Engin Akyur.
