Organisation want Scots to tackle the last taboo

Death is to be talked about more openly as Good Death Week takes place in Scotland.

The week, which takes place from 13 May, is an opportunity for people to think and talk about what matters to them at the end of life, through events, activities and online discussion.

Public events will take place across the country, from Falkirk, where the Council Bereavement Services team has organised a week of tours, talks and events, to Forres, where the “Afore Ye Go” café at the Town Hall on 16 May aims to help you prepare by providing advice on end-of-life planning.

Organised by Good Life Good Death Good Grief, it brings together Scottish organisations and individuals working to make the issue of death, dying and bereavement more approachable.

People are encouraged to participate in whatever way they feel able, even simply by raising the subject sensitively with a friend or family member.

Robert Peacock, Development Manager for Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief said: “Being prepared for the inevitable is one way to help family and friends to cope at the end of your life, however difficult the conversation may be to have.

“Talking about it does not bring the event nearer, but it may help you reach decisions that are very important, like where you want to die, what medical interventions you might want or not want, how you want to be cared for in your dying days.

“The time to discuss that is when you are fit and healthy, not when a crisis point is reached.”

The Good Life Good Death Good Grief website has many free resources to use including information leaflets, an origami care planning game and informational films. There is also a full list of Good Death Week events.