DEMYSTIFYING death is the aim of an event in Moffat next month.
Celebrant Aileen Palmer, who lives in the town, will be shining a light on death, dying and bereavement in Scotland as part of Demystifying Death Week in May.
She said: “People usually want to do the right thing when someone they know is caring, dying or grieving. But often they can feel awkward offering help, or worry about making things worse.
“People can have questions about serious illness or death. But often they don’t know who to ask.
“Making plans when you’re healthy means there is less to think about when you’re ill. But often people put off making plans until it is too late.
“Demystifying Death Week is about giving people knowledge, skills and opportunities to plan and support each other through death, dying, loss and care.”
She hopes her event in Moffat House on the evening of May 4 will help families have conversations regarding end of life care and meaningful farewell ceremonies.
Aileen added: “Once we have shared our wishes with the people who love us, we can get on with living the rest of our lives.”
The awareness week was initiated by Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief – a charity-led collaboration of more than 1000 individuals and organisations that want Scotland to be a place where people can be open about and plan for death, dying and bereavement.
Director Rebecca Patterson said: “We’re often told that death is a ‘taboo’ – something that people don’t want to talk about.
“But surveys show that in Scotland most people are actually fairly comfortable talking about death. Perhaps the right opportunities just don’t present themselves. Demystifying Death week is a chance to open up about death, air these topics and become a bit better at supporting each other through these difficult times.”
n To secure a place at Aileen’s free event, email her at [email protected]
