Staff talk about bereavement

As part of National Dying Matters awareness week, Southampton Hospital Charity hosted a lunchtime talk at Southampton General Hospital in order to raise awareness about bereavement leave and issues surrounding the loss of a child. 

Keynote Grief Speaker Lucy Herd from Jacks Rainbow delivered her talk entitled; ‘You have up to 12 months off for the birth of a child and 3 days to bury a child.’

Her story after the tragic death of her son Jack, in the family pond was deeply moving. Staff had many questions for Lucy following the talk. 

Fundraising officer, Jacqui Cammish, commented: "It was a very special way to promote National Dying Matters awareness week and provided a forum for staff to talk about issues surrounding death and bereavement which unfortunately is still seen as a taboo subject." 

The main messages from Dying Matters coalition were:

TALK

Talking about dying may not always be easy, but it can help you to make the most of life and to support those you care about

PLAN

Don’t leave it too late to plan ahead – and remember to tell people about your wishes

LIVE

Thinking and talking about dying can help you to live well and to make the most of life until the very end