Salisbury networking group encourages conversations around death, dying and grief for Dying Matters Awareness Week
Death and dying can be incredibly difficult topics to discuss. Fear of saying ‘the wrong thing’, of being insensitive or causing upset, can prevent us from talking about something that is a natural part of every life.
Dying Matters Awareness Week, a campaign led by charity Hospice UK, aims to create an open culture in which everyone feels comfortable talking about death, dying and grief. The week creates opportunities for potentially difficult conversations, reducing the stigma around these issues.
This year, Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 will take place from the 4th – 10th May. By encouraging people to talk about death, Hospice UK wants to help those who are dying be in a good place – physically, emotionally, financially – and with the right care and support.
Salisbury’s Positive End of Life Network, a group of local professionals including representatives from Salisbury Hospice, local celebrants, vicars, solicitors florists, funeral directors and care home managers, meet regularly to support each other and exchange information regarding death and dying. This year, the group are arranging a variety of public events to encourage open conversations and help people access support.
From ‘seed bomb’ workshops, where participants can take away seeds to scatter in remembrance of loved ones, to journalling sessions inviting people to reflect on their memories, to ‘end of life planning’ talks offering practical guidance, there are a variety of ways to engage with the week.
Event organisers Tam and Henry Gray of Gray’s Stone Carving Studio said, “In our society there seems to be a barrier to speaking about death and dying. Our aim is to offer spaces and activities which encourage these conversations, giving people information and choice.”
For more information about events in Salisbury, please visit the Positive End of Life Network Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/positive-end-of-life-network-group-121176475959 or the Salisbury Hospice Charity website: https://www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk/event/dying-matters-awareness-week-2026/
Further resources for Dying Matters Awareness Week can be accessed via the Hospice UK website: https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters
