The EASE course, its benefits, reactions and the potential

EASE is delivered free of charge by volunteer EASE Facilitators. It is designed for members of the public in Scotland, and welcomes adults of all ages, experiences and walks of life. Each person who participates in the course brings with them their own unique life experiences, and as well as learning from course materials, participants will learn from each other.

EASE participants work through four modules over four weeks designed to build confidence and comfort around issues relating to death, dying, loss and care. A key element of the course is the focus on peer learning and discussion, which helps build a sense of community.

What are the aims of the EASE course?

The course teaches the basics of end-of-life care and addresses some of the fears and uncertainties frequently held by members of the general public. It aims to help people to:

• Become better equipped to provide informal support to friends, family and community members dealing with death, dying and bereavement.
• Find it easier to deal with these issues when they have to face them themselves.
• Know where to find further information and support in relation to these issues.

Some of the questions the course can help to answer include:

• How can I navigate the health and social care system in Scotland?
• What issues might crop up when someone is approaching the end of life?
• What medicines and treatments can help when someone is dying?
• How can I plan ahead for ill health and dying?
• What emotional issues might affect someone who is dying?
• What support can a friend or family member offer to someone who is caring, dying or grieving?
• How do I offer help without interfering?
• How can you look after yourself when you're looking after someone else?

EASE Online

EASE was intended to be a face-to-face course and was first piloted in 2019. When face-to-face delivery became impossible during the Covid lockdowns, SPPC developed an online version. EASE Online is delivered via the online learning platform Moodle, with the discussion element facilitated via Zoom. Participants work through the modules – which have reading, films, activities and discussion forums – in their own time through the week, then the group gets together via Zoom to share reflections.

The online course has been very positively received. One participant said of their experience: “I thoroughly enjoyed the EASE course, meeting people from different areas, backgrounds and experiences. A lovely learning environment that created a safe place for people to share and contribute.” While another participant said they found the course “very helpful on both an emotional and practical level.”

EASE In-person

As it’s now possible to facilitate in-person gatherings, SPPC are working hard to get the face-to-face version of EASE off the ground again.

This version of the course consists of four weekly two-hour sessions, delivered by two volunteer EASE facilitators, in a venue local to the course participants. Participants work through activities and watch films together and are invited to share their reflections and stories through small group discussion. And course there is always plenty of tea and biscuits on hand.

When asked what they would take away from the face-to-face course, one participant said ”a new strength in being able to help, plan and offer support,” while another said they’d found “a sense of…being a community to deal with aspects in end of life care”.

Another participant of the face-to-face course said “EASE provides a fantastic breadth of information, opportunities for reflection and opportunities for connection with others.”