The South Eastern Trust has marked Dying Matters Week with a compassionate group staff session about how best to support children and young people facing a loved one’s palliative illness.
A difficult conversation to have at any age, Education Facilitator and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Palliative Care, Clare Parker shared how the session, which brought together District Nurses and Social Workers, was a vital opportunity for shared learning and support.
Dying Matters Week is an initiative to raise public awareness about the importance of talking more openly about dying, death and bereavement
Clare explained, “The theme this year for Dying Matters Week is ‘Let’s Talk About Death and Dying’. In our roles, we are at the centre of managing our patient on their palliative journey. The session was a chance for our staff to hear what services are available and how to signpost to them. It has been a great opportunity to pilot this meeting with our staff and our Teams.”
South Eastern Trust, Bereavement Coordinator, Donna Louise Laird added, “I believe that an initiative such as Dying Matters Week highlights the importance of having those gentle, compassionate conversations, that are so vital to adults, when they are not only navigating their own grief, but supporting young people and children who are coping with the death of a loved one. The importance in the language we use, keeping a routine, providing stability, space and timing when it comes to a child and young person.
“The session has been a real chance to come together, to share knowledge, skills and experience.”