Dying Matters Week officially launches in New Zealand this week to support people, start conversations about death and dying, and feel empowered to put end-of-life planning in place.
Dying Matters Week has been created by a team of experts across Aotearoa, to connect communities with expert talks, workshops, information and advice to begin what, for many, can often be very challenging conversations. Similar events have been running in other countries for many years.
One of the organisers is Whangārei-based Go With Grace, an organisation dedicated to guiding and supporting New Zealanders through their experiences with death and dying.
“There are so many amazing people working in this space who support those facing dying, or those wanting to plan for end-of-life. It’s a privilege for us to connect our local community with these experts, in a safe and welcoming space, that encourages more open and honest conversations about this important stage in life,” says Katy Mandeno, Founder of Go With Grace.
A variety of free presentations, workshops and talks led by subject matter experts are being held across the country, covering topics such as Advanced Care Planning, Grief in the Workplace, Natural Death Care, Palliative Volunteering, Natural Burial, Legal Matters, Caring for Carers and more.
“It is hoped that through the sharing of information and knowledge, people will feel empowered to put end-of-life planning in place to create peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones,” says Ms Mandeno.
A group of Hospices across New Zealand are supporting the event, including North Haven Hospice in Whangārei, with specialist staff delivering a range of talks and presentations. Tumuaki CEO Helen Blaxland says the event is a wonderful opportunity to help local communities better understand the various support services and resources provided in their local areas, including Hospice.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the very first Dying Matters Week because it allows us to support people in the community to start conversations about end of life when they have space and time to consider what’s important to them and feel empowered to better plan for this stage of life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to shed light on all the amazing support services and resources right here in our own communities to create caring neighbourhoods,” says Helen.
To celebrate Dying Matters Week, people in the community are also being invited to remember their loved ones by writing a poem or short story, as a way to process their grief and acknowledge their loved ones.
Find information on free talks, presentations and workshops in Whangārei, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, Porirua, Palmerston North, Canterbury and online, by visiting the Go With Grace website: gowithgrace.nz/dyingmatters.
- Whangārei supporters and organisers include North Haven Hospice, End of Life Doulas Alliance Aotearoa, Henderson Reeves Lawyers, Go With Grace and Whangārei Central Library.
- Auckland organisers include Mercy Hospice and the team from Honohono Tātou Katoa.
- Porirua events are being organised by End of Life Doula, Registered Nurse and co-facilitator of the Hutt Valley Death Cafe, Melanie Humphries-Connolly.
- Whangaparāoa events are being coordinated by the Whangaparāoa Death Cafe Team at Whangaparāoa Library.
- The Palmerston North City Library, Laura Sweetman Independent Funeral Director and Aingie Miller, Doula and Celebrant are coordinating Dying Matters Week events in Palmerston North.
- Social worker and End of Life Doula, Liz Adcock-White from The Fifth Season and End of Life Doula, and Julie Wells from Path of the Heart are coordinating Dying Matters Week events in Canterbury.