Funeral home encourages people to talk more openly about death

The Southern Co-operative spoke out during Dying Matters Awareness Week, which is this week.

The chain runs homes in Portsmouth – including in Baffins, Cosham, Eastney, Paulsgrove and Fratton – and in Gosport, 
Rowner and Fareham.

A spokesman said: ‘Every minute someone in the UK dies, but many people still do not feel comfortable talking about dying.

‘Talking more openly about dying can help you to make the most of life and to support loved ones.

‘With an ageing population and people living 
for longer with life-
limiting illnesses, discussing dying is increasingly important.

‘If you don’t talk to your loved ones about their wishes you may be risking leaving it too late.’

Southern Co-operative funeral homes want people to come in and talk to funeral co-ordinators and ask any questions they may have about death or funerals.

Claire Henry, chief executive of the Dying Matters Coalition and the National Council for Palliative Care, which runs the week, said: ‘Many people still feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues.

‘Talking about dying, death and bereavement is in everyone’s interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care and support we want, where we want it, at the end of our lives.

‘Through being more confident in talking about dying, we can make a big difference.’