Let’s Talk about Death and Dying

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 will take place from 4-10 May. This year's theme is 'Let’s talk about Death and Dying'.

The mission of Dying Matters is to break down the stigma and taboo of talking about death and dying. But sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start. 

27% of people find it hard to talk about death with family or friends, and 30% bottle their feelings up. If we don’t talk about death and dying and bereavement, it can be harder to cope when we experience them.* 

Death, dying and bereavement affect us all. This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re focusing on the importance of conversations about death and dying – with family, friends, employers, anyone in your life – helping you to get the conversation started.  

What’s happening and how can I get involved?

Attend one or more of the many events happening across South Yorkshire –

  • Some are place-specific, professional only.
  • Some are sessions for any professional in South Yorkshire.
  • Some are for both members of the public and professionals in South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire-wide resources

Throughout Dying Matters Awareness Week, events and activities are taking place in communities, hospitals and hospices across South Yorkshire for the public, patients, families and professionals. See the resources below.

Events

Find all South Yorkshire Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 resources in the events pack below.

Dying Matters 2026 - All events

Events by place

Open to the public and professionals (with some South Yorkshire-wide)

Further materials and resources to use and promote

Here you can find further resources, including an introduction to My Personal Wishes and bereavement resources.

"We are pleased to introduce our South Yorkshire resource pack for Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026. Dying, death and bereavement touch every one of us, yet they remain some of the most difficult subjects to talk about. This year’s theme, 'Let’s talk about death and dying', is a powerful reminder of how important these conversations are, not only at the end of life, but throughout our lives. When we talk openly and honestly, we can reduce fear, challenge stigma, support one another, and ensure that care truly reflects what matters most to people and those they love.

Throughout Dying Matters Awareness Week, events and activities are taking place in communities, hospitals and hospices across South Yorkshire for the public, patients, families and professionals.

Alongside these events, this pack brings together trusted information and local support to help start conversations alongside practical tools, including My Personal Wishes, the new South Yorkshire advance care plan. Whether you are thinking about your own wishes, supporting someone who is unwell or bereaved, or working in health, care or community settings. I warmly encourage you to explore the materials, attend an event if you can, and take the opportunity to talk, listen and reflect. By doing so, we can help create a more open, compassionate culture around death, dying and bereavement for our communities."

Emma Latimer, Senior Responsible Office for Palliative and End of Life care and Executive Place Director for Sheffield, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

David Crichton, Medical Director, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board