Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham is urging local people to start conversations about death and dying as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs until 10 May. The annual campaign, led by Hospice UK, aims to break down the stigma that often surrounds end-of-life discussions and encourage openness among families, friends, and colleagues.

This year’s theme, ‘Let’s talk about Death and Dying’, highlights the importance of sharing thoughts and feelings about grief and end-of-life care. Research from Celebration Day shows that 30 per cent of people bottle up their emotions about death and grief, while 27 per cent find it difficult to talk about death with those close to them. Dr Kershaw’s Hospice believes that having these conversations can help reduce feelings of isolation during tough times.

Katie Stretton, a counsellor at the hospice said: “Talking about death and dying can feel hard, but it can also help people to make sense of what is happening and feel less alone.” The hospice provides a range of support including bereavement counselling, wellbeing walks, and therapeutic support groups. The Nightbird Project offers people living with life-limiting illnesses a chance to share their experiences through art.

To make its support more inclusive, Dr Kershaw’s has introduced new resources. These include books by diverse authors such as Joseph Coelho and Janine Kwoh, and neuro inclusive communication cards designed to help people with limited speech, learning disabilities, autism, or ADHD. Stretton added: “We have made sure that our bereavement resources reflect different families and types of loss. Our resources are tailored for all ages – from children to young people and adults – so everyone can feel seen and included.”

The hospice has also launched Muslim bereavement boxes and is working with the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir temple to raise awareness of hospice care within Oldham’s South Asian community. Through these efforts, Dr Kershaw’s hopes to foster a culture where talking about death becomes more accepted, helping to provide comfort and reduce isolation for those facing end-of-life experiences.

By encouraging open dialogue, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice continues to play a vital role in supporting Oldham residents through difficult times, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and care they need.