PEOPLE in Keighley district have been encouraged to talk openly about death and dying during Dying Matters Awareness Week.

The appeal has come from Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, which is a member of the Dying Matters Coalition which is organising the week for May 8 to 14.

The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2017 is "What can you do?", which emphasises that people only get one chance to have their dying wishes met.

Campaigners say this is why it is vital to talk, plan and make arrangements for the end of life before it is too late.

On Wednesday May 10 from 10am to noon Liz Maitland, chaplain at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Katie Shepherd, Sue Ryder Palliative Care nurse at Airedale Hospital, will run a Dying Matters Awareness Week information stall at Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit and have a chat with the team for information and support.

Katie said: “In my work I see on a daily basis that having open conversations about death, dying and bereavement can encourage people to make the most of their lives and support others to do so too.

"Actively making plans for what we want as we come closer to the end of our life can be of great help.

"We know that when people share their plans with friends and family that helps to reduce fear, stigma and uncertainty about death.

"Having more honest conversations about plans for how we face the end of our life, and help each other with loss and bereavement, can encourage and inspire our communities to become places where people are more practically and emotionally supported."

Lizzie Procter, hospice director at Manorlands, said: “We shouldn’t wait until we’re facing death to talk about the important things with the people we love the most.

"Things like whether we'd like to be buried or cremated, whether we'd like to be an organ donor or whether we would prefer to die at home.

“Across Sue Ryder hospices, care centres and out in the community, we help people to have these difficult conversations every day and see first-hand the real value planning ahead can offer the whole family.

"Thinking about how you would like to die and communicating your practical and personal wishes directly with your loved ones before you need to means that you can have more choice and control when the time comes.

“This year we've also decided to hold some sessions at the hospice for our own staff to explore their feelings around death and dying.

"It gives them the chance to talk openly if they have made any plan for their future and shared their wishes with their family.”

Contact Liz Maitland on 01535 642308 for more information about the event.