Healthwatch Dorset are supporting local groups Dorset LGBT Equality Network & Diealog to run a Death Café at Flirt Café in Bournemouth on 10 May.
Dying Matters is a national awareness week running from 8-12 May 2017 which promotes open conversations about death, dying and bereavement. This year, the focus is on What Can You Do? The campaign aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.
Joyce Guest, Healthwatch Dorset Chairperson, explains: “Dying Matters awareness week is a really useful way of sharing information about a topic that people often find difficult to discuss. We’re proud tobe working with Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Diealog and Flirt Cafe to support this LGBT friendly drop-in event.”
Research shows that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender peopleface health inequalities and barriers to accessing the care and information they need.
John Hyde, from Dorset LGBT Equality Network, organised the event and he told us: “I run a local support group for the older LGBT community, called Silver Moments. Members of the group have faced discrimination from health and care services when their partners are at the end of their lives – so this is a topic I feel very strongly about.”
The event is open to everyone so feel free to pop in for a drink and a chat. There will also be information available to take away.
Max Mackay-James, founder of Diealog, said: “As a retired GP, I believe we need to speak out clearly about our preferences for ageing and dying, enabling us all to live out our wishes in the place and way we want. At Diealog we provide a wealth of ‘dying well’ resources, from advice on palliative care to ideas on making the most of the final days of life – there’s more details on our website www.diealog.co.uk“
To find out more about the event on 10thMay contact Healthwatch Dorset on 0300 111 0102 or email [email protected]
