By Jena Carr
A free event will help break down the stigma and awkwardness of talking about death, dying and grieving in recognition of Dying to Know Day.
Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine (CHoB) will host discussions about death, dying, grief and loss, followed by an afternoon tea, at the Leopold Community Hub from 2pm to 4pm on August 8.
CHoB chairperson Pauline Nunan said Dying to Know Day encouraged people to “think about the inevitable” and hoped people would find the Leopold event useful.
“It’ll be a chance to talk about some of the issues and things that people might want to bring up, which is a way of opening discussions and thinking about things we often put off,” she said.
“The more we know about something, the less scary it is. It can be from practical things, like how to organise a funeral or what sort of funerals are available, to dealing with grief, sorrow and distress.”
Deputy chair Dr David Brumley said it was important for people to be aware of the death and end-of-life services and options available.
“People tend not to want to get detailed information about the process of death and dying until they think it’s a bit closer, though no one ever guesses that,” he said.
“The day is about getting people a bit more up to date with what’s available to them in terms of support and the…choices of where you would want to die if that choice was available to you.”
Speakers will provide insights on palliative care, social support at home, legal aspects related to dying, spirituality as death approaches, carers’ support, volunteering with CHoB, and care of bodies, funerals and memorials.
