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A national awareness week to encourage people to talk more openly about death, bereavement and end of life care is being supported in Jersey by De Gruchy’s Funeral Care.
Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 8th – 14th May, is being organised by the Dying Matters Coalition and events are being held across the British Isles to raise awareness about end of life issues.
‘Every minute someone in the UK dies, but many of us still do not feel comfortable talking about dying. Talking more openly about death and dying puts aside any myths or misunderstandings about what is for many a taboo subject,’ said Gary Tye, manager of De Gruchys Funeral Care.
‘With an ageing population and people living for longer with life limiting illnesses, discussing dying is increasingly important. If you don’t talk to your loved ones about their wishes, you may be risking leaving it too late. The De Gruchy’s team has seen bereaved families struggling to make decisions because no-one had asked the questions and that’s why we are supporting this national initiative.’
For four days from Wednesday 10th until Saturday 13th May, De Gruchy’s Funeral Care will be at the West Centre (by the Jersey cows) in St Helier to provide information and advice on funeral wishes and plans. The team will also have information provided by specialists about making a will, organ donation and palliative care wishes.
‘We will have information for people to take away so that they can discuss the subject with their loved ones at the right time but we will also be available to provide advice and guidance and answer any questions that people may have,’ said Mr Tye.
‘Our hope is that by taking this into the heart of St Helier that we can raise awareness and make islanders understand the importance of discussing the subject, knowing the wishes of their loved ones and making their own wishes known.’
De Gruchy’s will be at the West Centre from 9.30am until 4pm from Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th May.
