Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) is supporting a national palliative care campaign that shines a light on death, dying and bereavement.
To mark the start of Demystifying Death Week (5-11 May 2025), the partnership will host a special community event on Monday 5 May at the Elgin Ex-Servicemenโs Club.
Open to all, the free event will provide an opportunity to explore, understand, and talk more openly about death and grief in a safe and supportive environment.
Demystifying Death Week is co-ordinated annually by Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief โ a Scotland-wide alliance of individuals and organisations working to promote more open and supportive attitudes towards dying and bereavement.
The Moray May Day event is the first of its kind locally and will introduce people to topics on planning for and supporting each other through death, dying and loss. It is being organised by Kirsty Williams, who is a lived experience member of HSCMโs Palliative Care Board.
“Death is sensitive subject and we often avoid talking about it until we have to โ which can make things harder. This event is about changing that. Whether youโre caring for someone, grieving a loved one, or simply want to feel more prepared, this is a warm and welcoming space to come and learn,โ Kirsty said.
Lesley Attridge, HSCM Locality Manager and Chair of the Palliative Care Board, said: โPlanning for the future, including the end of life, might feel uncomfortable, but it can ease stress and uncertainty for everyone involved. Conversations like these can offer peace of mind and help ensure decisions reflect personal values.
โAs part of Demystifying Death Week, weโre also encouraging everyone to take steps to ensure they have their Power of Attorney in place. Doing so now ensures that, should you no longer able to look after your financial or personal affairs, someone you trust has the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf without complication or delay.โ
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The Elgin event will be opened by Kirsty at 10am and runs until 4pm. The programme includes talks on topics including wills and Power of Attorney, arranging a funeral and understanding grief. There will be a taster session on EASE (End of Life Aid Skills for Everyone), information stalls from local organisations, and the opportunity to view the It Takes a Village exhibition โ a powerful collection of portraits and personal stories presented by Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.
Places can be booked online via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/demystifying-death-tickets-1318468457649.
Refreshments will be provided but attendees staying for the whole day are asked to bring their own lunch.
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For more information on Demystifying Death Week, visit the Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief website.
