06:00, 05 May 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
National charity Hospice UK is leading a national campaign to remind people that Dying Matters.
Dying Matters Week is a national campaign that takes place every year, from 5-11 of May. This year, the week’s theme is The Culture of Dying Matters.
The UK is full of a wealth of different cultures and communities, all of which have very different feelings, thoughts and traditions around death and dying. Even within these communities, this very difficult subject can mean different things to different people - which is why it’s so vital we come together for discussions.
Grief is something we all share that transcends boundaries of culture, gender, race and religion. No one will go through life without losing someone they love, and that’s why charities like Hospice UK are so important.
“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,” said Chris White, Senior Digital Marketing & Campaign Manager at Hospice UK.
“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.”
By having open conversations about our own mortality, dying and bereaved people can get the help they need to make it through their grief. Death is the only thinng in life that we can guarantee, but that doesn’t mean we need to fear it - or that it has to be faced alone.
If you want to know more about Dying Matters Awareness Week, how you can get involved, or if you or someone you love is having to think seriously about dying, you can visit the Hospice UK website for more information.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The New Normal. This charity is a completely free alternative to one-on-one therapy. Changing the way we discuss our grief, mental health and well-being in open and honest spaces. Support them here.
The Good Grief Trust. This charity is providing vital resources for people experiencing bereavement, offering comfort, practical support and the knowledge that they are not alone.
The Loss Foundation. This charity is the only UK charity dedicated solely to providing bereavement support following the loss of a loved one to cancer.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
