People urged to talk about death, dying and grief

A series of events will be held to encourage people to talk about death, dying and grief.

Dying Matters Awareness Week, from 5 to 11 May, aims to open up conversations around the oft-taboo subject.

Drop-in events in locations around northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire will bring together staff from hospitals, hospices, charities, solicitors and the funeral industry.

Alison Redhead, who chairs the Dying Matters group in North Lincolnshire, said: "Honest, timely discussions about death and dying are so important, as this can aid in ensuring the person's dying wishes are respected and carried out to meet their individual needs at the end of their life."

People are being invited to meet the professionals for a chat at the following events:

• Tuesday, Grimsby hospital, main restaurant, 11:00 to13:30 BST.
• Tuesday, Hull Royal Infirmary main foyer, 10:00 to 14:00.
• Wednesday, Living Later Life Well project, Trinity Methodist Church, Barton-upon-Humber, 10:30 to 12:00.
• Wednesday, Health Bus, Brigg Garden Centre, 09:00 to 15:00.
• Wednesday, Queens Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, 10:00 to 14:00.
• Thursday, Brigg Market, 08:30 to 14:00.
• Friday 9 May, Scunthorpe Market, 09:00 to 15:00.
• Friday 16 May, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby, 09:00 to 15:00.

Alex Wray, a matron for end-of-life care at Hull's hospitals NHS trust, said: "By opening up honest, compassionate conversations and respecting cultural differences, we can all play a part in ensuring dying well is something everyone has the chance to do – with dignity, comfort, and choice."

Information about organisations that offer support with bereavement and end-of-life care can be found on the BBC's Action Line page.

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