Time to talk, think, laugh and plan
National Dying Matters Awareness week begins on May 10. The event is all about starting conversations around end of life issues. Embarking on such a subject can be pretty tricky! With this in mind, at Last Wishes we have designed a set of cards that empower people and bring awareness to the many choices available when planning a funeral. The cost of dying will continue to rise unless we all become alert to the many different options available; what to say ‘yes’ to and when to say ‘no’. Here are a few facts:
There is no law that requires you to use a funeral director
A funeral does not have to cost a fortune
A funeral service does not have to take place in a crematorium or place of worship
It is possible to be buried on private land or in your garden
You do not have to have a minister or celebrant
You can make your own coffin if you plan to be buried
And most importantly, your final choices can have a huge impact on the environment.
Our aim is to help break the taboo around death and dying, and to make it a natural topic to discuss over dinner.
The Duke of Edinburgh had the forethought to plan his own funeral, so why not follow his example?
We encourage people to talk about and plan their funeral long before there is a need; when they still feel well and happy. It can be like dumping a burden that many of us carry around for our entire lives. The arrangements can always be updated as life progresses.
Planning need not be a morbid experience. As one of my Last Wishes workshop attendees reported: ‘I would never have thought it possible to laugh so much while planning my funeral.’
Communication is key to the subject and ideally something that can take place well before the end of life. Making your wishes clear now will save those close to you a great deal of stress when the time comes. People lead busy lives that need to continue in spite of our passing.
We use the Last Wishes cards in our fortnightly online Tea Rooms; join us for free and meet the team. For updates follow us on Facebook: lastwishes.world/ tearoom/
Jean Francis is the founder and inspiration director of Last Wishes, an organisation which seeks to encourage people to think about their legacy and have open conversations with their loved ones about their end-of-life wishes.
If you have a question you would like her to help with through this column email it to jean@liveyourlegacy.co.uk. We appreciate this could cover some sensitive subjects so your name will be kept confidential.