Winners Announced - Promoting Openness Award

Winners Announced - Promoting Openness Award

The winners of a new award which recognises individual contributions towards promoting more open and supportive attitudes to death and bereavement in Scotland have been revealed as Robert Peacock, volunteer Director of Death on the Fringe, and film-makers Jane Harris and Jimmy Edmonds.

Robert Peacock runs Death on the Fringe, a series of events exploring death and bereavement which takes place during the Edinburgh Festival. Now in its third year, Death on the Fringe brings together into one programme death-themed comedy, theatre and musical performances, as well as academic lectures and experimental ‘death cabarets’. Robert undertakes the role in a voluntary capacity, and Death on the Fringe brings a unique approach to exploring these difficult issues which has drawn attention from national and international media.

 

Jane Harris and Jimmy Edmonds have been recognised for their work challenging societal reluctance to talk about the death of children and the grief of parents. Jane and Jimmy’s son Josh was killed in a road traffic accident in Vietnam in 2011. Through film and other media Jane and Jimmy have shared their painful journey through grief, encouraging other parents in similar situations, and challenging society more widely to be more open about death, loss and grief, particularly in circumstances of traumatic or sudden death.

 

The Contribution to Openness about Death Award is awarded by the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care (SPPC), as part of its ongoing Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief initiative to promote more openness about death, dying and bereavement in Scotland.

Mark Hazelwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care said:

“In Scotland we have a cultural reluctance to talk about the practical realities of death and bereavement, and that can make it difficult to plan ahead. It can also make it difficult for communities to support each other through these difficult times. We hope that this award will draw attention to the fantastic variety of innovative work going on in Scotland, changing cultural norms and enabling people to be more open about these important issues.”

Robert Peacock said:

“It's been an absolute privilege organising Death on the Fringe, working with some amazing performers and hearing the personal stories that people have to share. Seeing it recognised in this way is an added bonus. Audience members often tell us they've been moved by what they've seen or that it's made them think about death differently, and starting that debate is what Death on the Fringe is all about. But of course, winning an award does no harm at all! I'm looking forward to this year's Death on the Fringe even more now and can't wait to reveal the programme.”

Jane Harris said:

“We are proud and honoured to receive this award. As Josh’s mum and dad this is of course bitter sweet…... something that no bereaved parent would ever want to be nominated for…... but we would like to thank the panel for recognising our work.