Remove stigma of talking about death, charity says
Dying Matters week runs from 6 to 12 May
- Published
People have been encouraged to use an annual awareness campaign to "take away the stigma of talking about death".
Launched in 2009, Dying Matters week aims to promote conversations around the subject and highlight the support available on the island to those who have suffered a bereavement.
Cruse Bereavement, which supported about 350 children and adults with one-to-one sessions last year, said it was important to "start difficult conversations" about death.
Chief Executive Mary Doyle said part of its drive to raise awareness of the need to have conversations about the issue was "asking people to think about the language they use".
'Comfort and support'
She said it was important to "start those conversations and take your lead from the bereaved person".
"Words can support those bereaved but they can also blindside them," Ms Dolye said.
She said conversations about death did not "naturally happen" and often people used the words "gone", "asleep" or "lost", which could cause confusion, particularly among children.
It was important to allow time together to "comfort and support each other", as well as being "kind to anyone who is grieving", she added.
Dying Matters week runs from 6 to 12 May.
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