Islanders are being encouraged to start conversations about death, dying and bereavement as part of a national awareness week.
Dying Matters Awareness Week runs from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 May this year.
Led by Hospice UK, the national campaign is designed to encourage open conversations about death, dying, and bereavement.
To mark the occasion, members of Jersey’s End of Life Strategy Group will host a public information event at West’s Centre on Thursday, offering advice and support on end-of-life care and bereavement services.
The free drop-in event will run from 10.30am to 3pm and will give islanders the chance to speak informally with professionals, learn more about local support services and collect information which may help them now or in the future.
Representatives from Jersey Hospice Care and Health and Care Jersey’s Education Service will be present throughout the day, alongside a range of organisations involved in end-of-life care and bereavement support.
Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey and Care Hub will attend between 10.30am and noon, followed by Maillards Funeral Directors from noon until 1.30pm.
Family Nursing & Home Care and Coop Funeral Care by De Gruchy will be available from 1.30pm until 3pm.
According to the Dying Matters Awareness Week campaign, 27% of people find it difficult to talk about death with family or friends, while 30% bottle up their feelings.
This year’s campaign focuses on the importance of starting conversations about death and bereavement, with organisers saying open discussion can make it easier for people to cope when they experience loss.