Last Days Matter – free course open to all (March)

How to prepare for, and/or accompany someone through death and dying

What matters most to people in the last days, weeks, months and years of life? This half day training covers questions that patients and families frequently ask hospice staff, nurses and doctors. We explore what really matters and makes the biggest different to people towards the end of their lives. We also look at how we can support each other through death, dying and loss, as surely they will happen to us all.

Following the story of a fictional family played by actors, we explore five topics by watching videos that prompt rich conversations and discussion:

• Planning for the future (includes wills and Lasting Power of Attorney)
• How to care and accompany someone with a life shortening condition
• Saying goodbye
• Recognising the signs of dying
• Negotiating the ‘new normal’ after someone has died

“I just wanted to let you know how much the course prepared me for mums passing. Sadly, Mum died last week. The training made a positive difference to the difficult time I was going through. It also helped to see that others were struggling too – often you think it’s only you!”
Paula from Ashton, Preston

“After this training, I’ve had conversations in my professional capacity with groups of staff about the importance of professional and the public discussing death and dying and planning for future care. I have highly recommended this session particularly for the public and those caring for someone who is at the end of their life.”
Registered Nurse, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

Please note, due to the subject content this can be a highly emotional session so is facilitated by supportive and experienced hospice staff. Sessions are limited to just eight people, to allow time for meaningful conversations.

Many thanks to our generous colleagues at St John’s Hospice in Lancaster, who developed this bespoke training, to benefit people and their loved ones at such an important time of their lives.