Thinking about the end of life is an important conversation, but it’s one that’s often difficult to start.
There is no right or wrong place to die, it will be different for everyone. But it is important for us all to think about it, to talk about it and to plan for it.
Dying Matters Awareness Week 2021 runs from 10 until 16 May 2021. It’s a chance for partners, organisations, and individuals in Brighton & Hove to come together and open up the conversation around death, dying and bereavement.
We want people of all ages to be in a good place when they die - practically, emotionally and with the right care in place. This Dying Matters Awareness Week we're supporting a number of important local events which create the space to start those conversations.
Organisations from across the city are holding online events for you to listen in, ask questions and hear more about this often undiscussed, but important topic.
Join the conversations in Brighton & Hove
‘Your funeral, your choice’, Tuesday 11 May, 1–2.30pm
Online webinar exploring options for non-traditional funerals and memorial events led by four inspirational local speakers:
- Rev Anthea Ballam. Chair of the Interfaith Contact Group
- Lyn Baylis is a popular and well-known pagan chaplain in Sussex
- Jean Francis is the Chair and Director of Last Wishes
- Tora Colwill is the founder of The Modern Funeral, an independent funeral director with a fresh approach
Please email david.brindley@brighton-hove.gov.uk for more information about the event.
'A good place to die: what does a place need to be, to be good?', Wednesday 12 May, 10–11.30am
Time to Talk Befriending are holding a Zoom conversation around your thoughts on what would make a place, a good place to die, and why. Please email info@tttb.org.uk to book your place.
‘Conversations about End of Life: What's important to you?’, Wednesday 12 May, 12noon–2pm
Healthwatch Brighton & Hove invite you to join a conversation to discuss the things you might want to consider when thinking about the end of life. Register your place using Eventbrite.
Advanced Decision Living Will Conversation, Tuesday 11 May 1.30pm
Desert Island Discs: What songs would you pick for your Funeral?, Tuesday 11 May, 3pm
Coffee & Conversation: What does ‘Being in a good place to die’ mean to you?, Saturday 15 May, 2pm
The Hop50+ Café are hosting these Zoom events which are open to anyone aged 50+ who is interested in joining. To book your place, please email paula.carter@impact-initiatives.org.uk
‘Dying at home’, Thursday 13 May, 6.30pm
Brighton & Sussex Medical School are hosting an online conversation with writer Fiona Mason, end of life doula Li Mills and palliative care consultant Dr Simone Ali as they share their experiences of living and working with someone close to death. The event is hosted by Bobbie Farsides, Professor of Clinical and Biomedical Ethics at Brighton & Sussex Medical School. Please register online.
Martlets’ reflective space, daily throughout the week at 11.30am for 20mins
Martlets’ chaplain Nicholas Roddis and other local chaplaincies, will be offering daily reflections through Zoom video. Join them as they share their thoughts. No need to book. Links to community resources will also be provided for advice and support.
- Fr. Christopher McDermott, Lead Chaplain, University of Sussex, Monday 10 May at 11.30am. Join Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 944 4392 5043. Passcode: 289916.
- Rev Nicholas Roddis, Chaplain, Martlets Hospice, Tuesday 11 at 11.30am. Join Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 884 5088 1450. Passcode: Reflect.
- Fr. Christopher McDermott, Lead Chaplain, University of Sussex, Wednesday 12 May at 11.30am. Join Zoom Meeting. Meeting ID: 992 1816 3543. Passcode: 402448.
‘Death and dying: a Martlets conversation’, June tbc
If you've got a question about any aspect of death and dying, please send it to The Martlets during Dying Matters Week and a Zoom panel discussion of your questions will be broadcast in June. Send your questions to sally.turner@martlets.co.uk
Most events are open to all but some need to be booked in advance. More activities will be shared in the city throughout the week.
As many of the activities are online this year, there are also events taking place in West Sussex that you may be interested in.
Find more information on bereavement support, advance care planning, and end of life choices.