Marie Curie, Penarth Town Council, The Methodist Housing Association, Cherished Memories and a team of volunteers are encouraging people to get talking about death, dying and grief in whatever way, shape or form works for them for Dying Matters Awareness Week (6 -12 May 2024).

Dying Matters Awareness Week is a chance to get the community talking about dying and grief.

Rachel Jones, Associate Director, Marie Curie, says: "We know that it's by talking, and by sharing stories, that we can change the conversation about death. When we talk about dying and grief, we remove the taboo and stigma that have for too long surrounded these topics. The national Dying Matters campaign works to open up conversations around death and dying.

"For many, talking about this important chapter in our lives is still taboo. The more comfortable we are talking about what matters most to us, the better end of life we will have. Our friends and families will know what is important to us, what we want, what we don't want and how we want to be remembered. When the right conversations happen people have opportunities to build memories without regrets."

An information fayre will be held on Friday, 10 May in the Paget Rooms Penarth. There will be talks throughout the day including How to have a unique funeral, Why talking about the end of life matters, and Understanding grief.

There will be information about bereavement, funeral arrangements, wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, how to access bereavement support, thinking about our pets and much more.

Ruby Wroe, Senior Communications and Engagement Officer at Hospice UK said: "Honest, timely discussions about death and dying are so important, they can transform the end of someone's life and give family and friends clarity over what to expect."

If you would like to know more contact [email protected]