The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) is inviting the Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford community to join the conversation about death, dying, and grief in ways that resonate with them during this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (5–11 May 2025).
The national campaign, led by Hospice UK, encourages open and honest discussions about end of life experiences. This year’s theme, 'The Culture of Dying Matters', delves into the diverse ways communities across the UK discuss, navigate, and commemorate death and dying, while emphasising the shared emotions that connect us all in grief and loss.
One way in which the NCA is encouraging communities to come together and talk about death, dying and grief is by holding several information stands and events across our hospitals and community groups. We want to promote information around advance care planning, supporting someone in bereavement, talking to someone who is dying, and exploring how our cultures and traditions differ between families.
Alice Davies, NCA associate director of nursing for palliative,end of life care and bereavement, said: "Raising awareness of Dying Matters Awareness Week is so important. We want to encourage open conversations about death, dying and grief. As a result, we hope to break down taboos and promote better support for people who are dying and grieving. The way we talk about dying matters and we only have one chance to get this right."
Chris White, senior digital marketing and campaign manager at Hospice UK, said: “Talking about death and dying is never easy, but it’s vital. Honest and timely conversations can ensure that people get the support they need, and help loved ones better understand their wishes.
“This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re focusing on the diverse cultural approaches to death and dying within the UK and how those perspectives can inspire more open, meaningful discussions in every community.
“We hope that by sharing and learning from these experiences, we can create a society where talking about death is less of a taboo and where everyone feels empowered to have these conversations.”
Events and activities are taking place across the UK to mark Dying Matters Awareness Week. For more information, or to find out how to host your own event, visit the Dying Matters website.