Helping to create an open culture of discussion around death, dying and bereavement
Acorns Children’s Hospice will once again be taking part in Dying Matters Week, which this year happens between 10th and 16th May. Dying Matters Week aims to create an open culture of discussion about death, dying and bereavement. Sadly, these topics play a large role in Acorns work, both for our families and for those who support us with donations.
This year’s theme for Dying Matters Week is ‘A good place to die’. At Acorns, we make our hospices a home from home environment so that, no matter what a family’s circumstances are, it feels like the right place for them to be with their child. We believe it is crucially important to make every moment count for our children and families, helping them to create magical memories which will be cherished forever.
While we know we can never take away the sadness of losing a child, we do everything we can to make our families comfortable, respecting their wishes and helping them to carry out their cultural practices. After a bereavement we are with our families every step of the way, helping them through the most challenging time of their lives.
None of this would be possible without the generous support we receive from the kindness of our supporters across the region. Many of the donations we receive are made in memory of someone special. Fundraising in memory of a loved one, or someone with a close connection to Acorns is often a motivation for our donors to go the extra mile when fundraising and completing their challenges.
If you are considering collecting donations or supporting Acorns in memory of a loved one, our specialist team are on hand to assist you through the process and answer any questions you may have along the way. More information can be found on our in memory pages.
As well as raising awareness for organisations supporting families who are currently, or recently dealing with a bereavement, Dying Matters Week also encourages us to talk more openly about our own feelings and wishes surrounding our own death. This June, Acorns are giving you a great opportunity to think about your own future and discuss your wishes for free as part of our Make a Will Month. Writing a Will is important as it doesn’t just set out your wishes for your assets – it’s your voice when you’re gone.
When writing a Will many people choose to set out their instructions for how they’d like to be remembered. This can be very wide-ranging and includes information like the songs to be played at a funeral, the way they’d like to be dressed, the charities they’d like supported in their memory, preferences over burial or cremation, the type of service and information on where and how they’d like their ashes to be scattered. By sharing this information, you can not only ensure your send-off is how you’d want it to be, you make the arrangements so much easier for your loved ones at a difficult time.
Make your voice heard
Find out more about how you can make your wishes known by taking part in Acorns Make a Will Month 2021
