This blog is part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (5th–11th May), a national campaign encouraging honest conversations about death, dying, and grief. At HCCN, we believe those conversations however small can be deeply meaningful.
Dying Matters Awareness Week (5th–11th May) invites us all to have honest conversations about something we often avoid—death, dying, and grief.
At HCCN, we know this isn’t easy. Whether you’ve lost someone, are living with a life-limiting illness, or simply feel unsure how to begin, it’s hard to know what to say, or when to say it.
But we also know that talking about death can change the way we live.
Being open about what matters to you, how you’d like to be remembered, and the kind of care or support you’d want can bring peace of mind, not just for yourself, but for the people who love you.
We believe that talking about dying isn’t about giving up, it’s about taking back a sense of control and making space for comfort, choice, and connection.
Why it helps to plan ahead
Planning for the end of life doesn’t have to be heavy or clinical. It can be an act of love. A letter to someone you care about. A quiet decision about where you’d like to be. Or simply a conversation over a cup of tea.
One important part of this is making a Will.
It’s not just for those with significant assets or grand estates, it’s for anyone who wants their wishes to be heard and honoured. A Will gives clarity, direction, and comfort to the people you leave behind.
Some people also choose to leave a gift to a cause that’s meant something to them. If HCCN has supported you or your loved one, and you’d like to include us in your Will, thank you. Your kindness helps us continue to walk alongside others through life, treatment, and beyond.
Need help starting the conversation?
We’re here to offer gentle guidance and answer any questions you might have about leaving a gift in your Will or planning ahead with care.
📩 Contact Shelley at shelley@hccnthecharity.org for a confidential, friendly chat.
A few questions you might start with…
- Have I shared what matters most to me?
- Who needs to know my wishes?
- What kind of legacy would I like to leave?
Let’s talk—because dying matters. And so does living well until the end.