The Co-operative Funeralcare joins the national dying matters coalition

The Co-operative Funeralcare has joined in the national Dying Matters Coalition to help to promote public awareness around dying, death, and bereavement.

Research* shows that many people do not die as they might have wished to or where they may have wanted. Around 70% of people say they want to die at home, yet around 55% currently die in hospitals. Less than a third (29%) of people have discussed their wishes around dying and only 4% have written advance care plans.

The Dying Matters Coalition has been set up by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC), to raise awareness and provide the support and information needed to have these conversations with loved ones. It aims to help make dying well a natural part of a good life and through this help change attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement and raise the profile and improve end of life care.

George Tinning, Managing Director of The Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Coalition and encouraging people to talk about death. Funerals are difficult and emotional times for all of us, but we hope by urging people to discuss their concerns and wishes, we can break down some of the traditional barriers that exist.
 
“Many people would rather not know about how a funeral is arranged or what choices are available. Knowing what has to be done in advance can ease the emotional burden on the family considerably. It is important to talk more about dying, death and bereavement with our family, friends and loved ones.” he added.

Eve Richardson, Chief Executive of Dying Matters Coalition, said: “We are delighted that The Co-operative Funeralcare has joined the Dying Matters Coalition. For too long, issues of dying, death and bereavement have been perceived as too difficult or frightening to talk about. Talking about death doesn’t bring it closer. It’s about planning for life, making the most of the time that you have.”

The Dying Matters Coalition has more than 14,000 members including organisations from across the NHS and the voluntary and independent health and care sectors, including hospices, care homes, charities supporting old people, children and bereavement, from social care and housing sectors, from a wide range of faith organisations, community organisations, schools and colleges, academic bodies, trade unions, the legal profession and from the funeral sector.

Additional Information:

*Research conducted by Natcen for the Dying Matters Coaltion in 2009 and stats from the Department of Health’s End of Life Care Strategy.

Contact Information:

Ruth Rowan
Senior Public Relations Officer
The Co-operative Group
Tel: 0161-827 5889