Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025

Dying Matters Awareness Week is Hospice UK’s annual awareness campaign centred around the subject of death, dying and grief.

Barnsley Hospice is proud to once again join the campaign which runs from May 5 to 11, with this year’s theme ‘The culture of dying matters’ hoping to break down the stigma and taboo experienced by many across the UK when talking about death and dying.

Whilst the conversations will look different for everyone, we are encouraging people to have these talks in the way that is right for them, whether that is with us, their friends, families or those close to them. This year’s campaign explores different ways cultures and faiths view death and dying, but acknowledges that the emotions people experience are universal.

At Barnsley Hospice, we are proud to have our own Bereavement and Counselling service, and Lead Counsellor Janice is hopeful people in Barnsley, no matter their culture, faith or background, will join in the conversation.

Janice said, “Barnsley Hospice is here to support people from all faiths, cultures and parts of our communities. The way cultures and faiths view death and dying may differ, but the feelings we hold about dying and our experiences of grief are shared universally.

“We strive to create an open culture where we feel more comfortable and confident to talk about death and dying.

“It’s ok to have different ways of talking about death and dying – we can still come together and highlight the importance of breaking the stigma.”

Counselling support at the hospice is available to adults living with a life-limiting illness, and those close to them. You don’t need to be a patient to access our bereavement and counselling service, nor do you have to have had a loved one cared for by the hospice. Any GP or healthcare professional involved in your care can make a referral to our counselling service. You can also self-refer to our bereavement support service by calling us on 01226 244 244.

Stay up-to-date with how we are marking Dying Matters Week at Barnsley Hospice on our social media pages.

You can find out more about Dying Matters Week on the Hospice UK website here https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters/dying-matters-awareness-week

For more information on Barnsley Hospice’s Bereavement and Counselling service, click here https://www.barnsleyhospice.org/our-services/counselling-services/