Opening up conversations about dying
In May, Rowcroft’s Education Team proudly took part in a special community event in Ashburton, held as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week – a national campaign that encourages open conversations around death, dying and grief. Held in the welcoming surroundings of Ashburton’s church hall, the event took on a relaxed, café-style feel and was the vision of Anna Dunscombe, Community Staff Nurse at Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital, and one of Rowcroft’s End of Life Care Ambassadors.
The day was brought to life with the support of the local District Nursing team and a range of professionals from across the community. One of the key themes explored was ‘Planning for the Future’ – a conversation that sparked action among those who attended.
Anna Dunscombe, the event’s organiser, said:
“The day provided an opportunity to listen to experts talk about a subject that is often taboo and which we all regularly pretend will not happen. Me included!
“You could have heard a pin drop when each of the experts were talking. They spoke with such honesty, humour and kindness, and have done a great deal to mitigate the fears and mystery that surround the thoughts of our own deaths. I’ve even booked an appointment with a lawyer to update my 25-year-old Will and to create a Lasting Power of Attorney for myself and my husband!”
Catherine Hughes, Education Facilitator at Rowcroft, said:
“We were delighted to support Anna’s Dying Matters event, it gave us a wonderful opportunity to talk with people within our community about the importance of Planning for the Future. The conversations prompted several people to take action—saying things like, ‘I’m going to speak with my mum about her wishes,’ ‘I need to update my will,’ and ‘I’m planning to arrange a power of attorney for health and welfare’. It’s clear the event encouraged attendees to think ahead and take meaningful steps.”
Giving people the confidence to talk about death
With tables hosted by Rowcroft, Rupert Callander of The Green Funeral Company, WBW Solicitors, and others, the day offered a safe and informal space for people to drop in, have meaningful conversations, and seek support and information by speaking with experts in legal matters, funeral planning, and end-of-life care.
A Q&A session, chaired by writer and broadcaster Sophie Pierce, brought insightful discussion to the heart of the day. The panel featured Rowcroft Consultant Sarah Human, funeral director and author Rupert Callander (What Remains? Life, Death and the Human Art of Undertaking), and solicitor Emma Oakley. Together, they answered questions on a range of important topics around death, dying, and planning, offering honest, expert perspectives.
Conversations that made a difference
The honesty and compassion shown by the panel left a lasting impression with many, as feedback from the day reflects:
“The talk amongst the panel was brilliant. Helpful, honest and compassionate.”
“The event was so well held. Really informative and such inspirational people. Thank you for your honesty, clarity and beautiful open hearts.”
“The District Nurse and Rowcroft team were incredibly welcoming. The event offered the freedom to come and go, talk or sit in quietude – and a wonderful middle piece of structured Q&As.”
Many attendees said they left feeling more informed, less fearful, and inspired to take practical steps.
Helping people feel ready for what’s ahead
While death is often seen as a daunting topic, this event showed the value of gentle, community-led spaces where questions can be asked openly and without judgment. With warmth, empathy and expert guidance, it offered a powerful reminder that talking about death can help us feel more confident and prepared for life’s most difficult moments.
To find out more about Rowcroft’s online and face-to-face courses, please see: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/education
Rowcroft’s End-of-Life Care Ambassadors Programme
The End-of-Life Care Ambassador Programme, run jointly by Rowcroft Hospice and Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, helps health and social care professionals improve end-of-life care by leading projects that raise awareness, enhance practice, and encourage open conversations about death and dying.