Hospice Isle of Man is working closely with Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man and The End of Life Matters group in the island during national ’Dying Matters’ week.

This year the week is running from today (Monday) through to Sunday.

Chief executive of Hospice Anne Mills said: ’We are asking people to think about dying and what it would take to put your house in order during this week.

’This ensures that you can set out your own wishes and help family members to know what you would like to happen when death occurs.’

Guidance leaflets will be available at Hospice, in their shops or warehouse, at Cruse’s offices during the UK week of Dying Matters.

They are also in all GP practices and libraries around the island.

The timing of this week of awareness has been brought even more to the fore with the recent news that Princes Harry and William are highlighting the need for emotional support following the death of their mother, Princess Diana, almost 20 years ago.

Hospice offers a wide range of psychological support for children and adults.

This is available to all Hospice patients and their families. At Hospice the current referral route is via a health professional but this is changing soon so that people can refer themselves if they need help and support following the death of a loved one.

Help is also available from Cruse, which is a charity that provides advice, information and support to children, young people and adults who have been bereaved, no matter whenever or however the death occurred.

Links:

www.hospice.org.im

www.cruseisleofman.org

www.elmisleofman.org