It’s time to talk

National Grief Awareness Day offers a timely opportunity for families to begin those discussions that we seem to find so difficult about loss and about our wishes for when our time comes.

One of the aims of the day, on Sunday 30 August, is to encourage open dialogue about loss and to break the social stigma which makes people hesitant to talk about death, dying, mourning and their wishes.

A reluctance to talk is something that was highlighted in some recent research commissioned by Westerleigh Group, with more than 2,000 people aged over 55, who have planned a funeral over the past five years.

The research revealed that three in four people (77%) think it is essential to say a proper goodbye, despite the rise of unattended cremations in recent years, and 92% of respondents said that having a personalised service is important.

Westerleigh Group CEO Debbie Smith said: “Despite a strong desire for meaningful and personal services, many families are left without guidance when the time comes, with 65% of those who arranged a funeral having had no, or minimal conversations with their loved one about what they wanted.

“A reluctance among the UK public to plan for their death or discuss their final wishes remains a major barrier to families being able to have that proper goodbye for their loved ones.”

The research identified that over 50% people find it difficult to discuss their own death with family, often describing it as “uncomfortable”, and have either made no funeral plans or have kept them private and only12% of the UK population have a paid funeral plan in place.

Debbie added: “This lack of communication has created what has been described as a “Great Silence,” leaving families unprepared and uncertain at one of the most difficult times of their lives.

“Without clear guidance, families are forced to make difficult decisions at the time of grief, often leading to stress, conflict and lingering doubt during an already emotional time – with 82% of respondents saying that they found organising a funeral stressful and 55% regretting not having more conversations about their loved ones final wishes.

“The findings of our research highlights an urgent need to normalise conversations about death and funeral planning so families can celebrate and remember the lives of their loved ones in the way that is right for them.

“And National Grief Awareness Day offers a very timely opportunity for families to begin those discussions.”

Further information about Westerleigh Group’s research can be found here: www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/meaningful-goodbyes.pdf