A local hospice charity has been opening up the conversation about death and grief for local people following a free event to tackle taboos around the subject.
‘Dying Matters – a conversation with Havens Hospices’ took place at Fair Havens on Saturday 7th May. Members of the charity’s Care, Wellbeing and Therapy Teams from both adult and children’s services were on hand to speak with visitors about how the hospices can possibly help them or their loved ones.
They also had a range of activities including creative and complementary therapy, gardening as part of the Fair Havens ‘Therapy Through Nature Group,’ and items available to take home created by patients at the hospices, such as decorated flowerpots and seedlings.
Alongside them were experts from other local organisations, businesses and charities including the Palliative Care Team from Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT), BTMK Solicitors, Age Concern’s ‘Havens Community Hub and Southend Carers.
S.Stibbards & Sons were also in attendance to talk about funeral options, displaying a vintage hearse and wicker coffin.
Anna Firth, MP for Southend West visited to speak with staff and patients, and take home some keepsakes created by the patients. She said, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to attend the Havens Hospices ‘Dying Matters’ Open Day. This is palliative and end of life care at its very best. The facilities, atmosphere and innovation at Havens Hospices is truly inspiring, and befitting of the great city we’ve become.”
Ellie Miller is the Director of Care and Executive Nurse at Havens Hospices. She says, “We plan so well for significant life events like weddings and births, yet the most significant event that will happen to us all, we are frightened to think about. We only have one chance to get it right. Planning for death is as important as planning for life.
“During our first ‘Dying Matters’ event, we spoke with many local people to offer advice and support, and signpost them to our local healthcare partners to ensure they’re getting the right care, when and where they need it most.”
Published 9th May 2022
