Would you describe the community you live in as compassionate?  We know that many people describe their lives as lonely and cut off, especially if they have a long term condition and worsening health.  This is also true for those who are caring for them.  One of the aims of Strathcarron is to enable people to live well wherever they are and no matter what stage their illness is at.

Over the last year we have been asking people with long term conditions, their carers and the people in the community who support them about what matters to them as their health declines and they begin the approach towards the end of life.  Many people said that having important conversations with their family was something they wanted to do but found difficult "I don't know how to bring it up with my family, I don't know how to start"

Have you had important conversations in your family?  Would you know how to find information to help you?

Dying Matters is a national organisation which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement and to make plans for the end of life.  They have useful tips for having the "big conversation":

1. You don't have to be ill or dying to talk about it and put plans in place.
2. You may find it easiest to start talking about what you wouldn't want rather than what you would want.
3. Talking about dying doesn't have to be depressing - humour can be a real help.
4. Once you have overcome the initial awkwardness there is every chance you will be relieved to have had the conversation.
5. Don't let being worried about saying the wrong thing stop you from being there for people who are terminally ill or bereaved.

More information about our project can be found here:

https://www.strathcarronhospice.net/befriending-compassionate-communities