Dying Matters Week

Every year, people around the UK use Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 - 11 May) as a time to encourage all communities to get talking about death in whatever way works for them.

The theme of this year’s campaign is: The Culture of Dying Matters.

There are many differences in the ways that cultures and faiths approach and mark death and dying. But at their core, feelings about dying, and our experiences of grief, are universal emotions that we all share, no matter who we are or where we live.

Religious boxes on Critical Care

The team on the Critical Care Unit have created a number of religious boxes for patients receiving end of life care, filled with religious and spiritual items including prayer mats, anointment bowls and literature. 

They had the idea for the boxes after a relative wished to bless his loved one, and the team only had a cereal bowl available for him to use. 

Sharon Lay, Ward Clerk, has shared an update on this important initiative in the following video: https://youtube.com/shorts/TVJqb4Yd6Dg?si=z152I7fvnOsQo6hZ 

Introducing new Butterfly Volunteers

The Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the new Butterfly Volunteer Service, a compassionate initiative designed to support patients who are nearing the end of their life and their families during a challenging time. 

This service is offered in partnership with the End of Life and Palliative Care Team, Voluntary Services, and the Anne Robson Trust, a charity dedicated to providing emotional support and companionship to those in their final days.

Butterfly Volunteers offer gentle companionship and emotional support to patients on their journey towards the end of life. In addition to supporting patients, volunteers are also available to help family members and visitors, providing a much-needed listening ear and signposting them to available bereavement support services.

Butterfly Volunteers are trained to provide:

• An understanding of what matters most to the patient and providing support aligned with their values and needs
• Quiet companionship, especially for patients who would otherwise be alone
• Reading or playing calming music for patients
• A reassuring presence, such as simply sitting with or holding the patient’s hand
• Guidance and emotional support for family members and visitors.

Anyone interested in signing up as a Butterfly Volunteer should email gwh.butterflyvolunteers@nhs.net.