NHS South Yorkshire is encouraging people across the region to start important conversations about death, dying and bereavement during Dying Matters Awareness Week (4–10 May 2026).
This year’s national campaign, led by Hospice UK, focuses on the theme “Let’s talk about death and dying”, highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations at every stage of life.
Across South Yorkshire, a range of community events and activities will take place throughout the week, including opportunities for the public, patients, families and professionals to come together, share experiences and access support. Events will be held across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley, including community discussions, awareness sessions and informal gatherings such as death cafés.
Death, dying and bereavement affect everyone. However, national research shows that 27% of people find it difficult to talk about death with family or friends, while 30% say they bottle up their feelings. Without these conversations, coping with loss and planning for the future can become even more challenging.
Alongside local events, NHS South Yorkshire has launched a dedicated resource pack to support individuals and communities in starting these conversations. The pack includes trusted information, practical tools, and guidance, including My Personal Wishes, a new South Yorkshire advance care plan designed to help people record what matters most to them.
Emma Latimer, Senior Responsible Officer for Palliative and End of Life Care and Executive Place Director for Sheffield at NHS South Yorkshire said: “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.
“I warmly encourage people across South Yorkshire to explore our resource pack, attend an event if they 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.”
David Crichton, Medical Director at NHS South Yorkshire said: “Having conversations about death and dying can feel difficult, but they are one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and for those close to us. They help ensure that people’s wishes are understood, respected and acted upon.
“Through Dying Matters Awareness Week, we want to support people to feel more confident in starting these conversations, whether that’s with family, friends, colleagues or professionals. Together, we can help normalise these discussions and improve experiences of care and support across South Yorkshire.”
Dying Matters Awareness Week provides an opportunity for individuals, families and communities to come together, share experiences and learn more about planning ahead, supporting others, and accessing bereavement support.
To find out more about local events, access the South Yorkshire resource pack, and explore resources including My Personal Wishes and bereavement support, visit the NHS South Yorkshire website: southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/dyingmatters