Get involved in the big conversation

Lincolnshire Co-op is calling on the community to join the big conversation and talk about dying at a series of coffee mornings in its funeral homes.

The event is part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (9th – 15th May), and activities are being held up and down the country to raise awareness about end of life issues.

Dying Matters is a coalition of 32,000 members across England and Wales which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and make plans for the end of life. Members include organisations from across the NHS, academic bodies, housing sectors, funeral directors, care providers and faith groups.

By holding open days at its funeral homes, Lincolnshire Co-op aims to encourage people and their families to ask the team of highly trained staff any questions and put practical plans into place for their end of life care and funeral.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of Funeral Services David Dernley said: “Talking about dying won’t make it happen any sooner – what it will do is make sure your loved ones know your wishes.

“Once people overcome any initial awkwardness they are likely to be relieved to have talked to us about what they want and put practical plans into place so they can get on with living life to the full.”

A funeral bond offers peace of mind for both individuals and families by planning all of the details in advance, and visitors to the Society’s funeral home coffee mornings will receive 10x dividend on funeral bonds during May.

Part of the Dying Matters campaign is to encourage people to take five simple steps to make their end of life experience better, both for them and for their loved ones. These are:

• Write a will
• Record their funeral wishes
• Plan future care and support
• Consider registering as an organ donor
• Tell loved ones their wishes

It’s also a good time to find out about the different options available from eco-funerals to woodland burials and personal touches.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s funeral homes will hold coffee mornings from 10am until 12 noon. Find your nearest here.