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Dying Matters Week is a time to have important conversations about death and end of life care - let's break the taboo and start talking.
Get ready to start important conversations and bring awareness to an important topic during Dying Matters Week, which takes place from May 2-8. This week was first launched in the UK in 2009, with the goal of encouraging people to talk openly about death, dying, and bereavement. It's a time to reflect on the significance of end-of-life care and planning, as well as remembering those who have passed away. While this may not seem like a traditionally "fun" topic, it's one that can bring people closer together and help us appreciate the importance of living life to the fullest. Let's embrace this week with open hearts and minds!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Council for Palliative Care</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Council for Palliative Care identifies the need for more public discussion around death and dying.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Launch of Dying Matters Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Dying Matters Week takes place in the UK, creating a dedicated time for discussions about end-of-life topics.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Participation in Dying Matters Week continues to grow, with more events hosted across the country to engage diverse populations in the conversation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dying Matters Week gains international recognition with participation from countries outside of the UK.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Initiatives</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dying Matters Week initiatives expand to include more resources for end-of-life planning and bereavement support.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Events Due to COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to the global pandemic, Dying Matters Week adapts to include virtual events and digital resources for safe participation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a death-themed movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch movies that explore the topic of death and dying. This can spark meaningful conversations and reflections on the importance of discussing end-of-life matters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a death café</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Death cafés are gatherings where people can openly discuss death and dying in a safe and comfortable environment. Attend one during Dying Matters Week to join in on the conversation and share your thoughts and feelings on the topic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters to loved ones</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write letters to your loved ones, expressing your feelings and thoughts about death and dying. This can be a meaningful way to open up communication and start important conversations with those closest to you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a hospice or palliative care center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a hospice or palliative care center during Dying Matters Week. This can be a way to support and show appreciation for those who work in end-of-life care and to learn more about the services they offer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a death positive discussion group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends for a death positive discussion group where you can explore different perspectives on death and dying. This can be a thought-provoking and enlightening way to celebrate Dying Matters Week.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about end-of-life issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dying Matters Week is an opportunity to have open and honest conversations about subjects that are often considered taboo, such as death and dying. By raising awareness, we can help people better understand these important topics and make more informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes planning for the future</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During Dying Matters Week, there is a focus on making arrangements for end-of-life care, such as creating wills, advance healthcare directives, and discussing funeral wishes. This ensures that our loved ones know what we want in case we are unable to communicate our wishes ourselves.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It offers support and resources for those affected by death and dying</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dying Matters Week provides a platform for organizations and individuals to share resources, support networks, and advice for those facing death or grieving the loss of a loved one. This can be incredibly valuable in helping people cope and find ways to honor their loved ones' memories.</p></div></div>
Dying Matters Week is celebrated on May 2 every year. In 2024 Dying Matters Week will occur on a Thursday.
2023
May 2
Tuesday
2024
May 2
Thursday
2025
May 2
Friday
2026
May 2
Saturday
2027
May 2
Sunday
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