The Culture of dying matters – Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025

It’s Dying Matter’s awareness week – an important initiative that aims to break down the stigma and taboo of talking about death and dying. The national campaign, led by Hospice UK, encourages open and honest discussions about end of life experiences. This year’s theme, The Culture of Dying Matters, delves into the diverse ways communities across the UK discuss, navigate, and commemorate death and dying, while emphasising the shared emotions that connect us all in grief and loss.

There are of course many differences in the ways that cultures and faiths approach and mark death and dying. But at their core, feelings about dying, and our experiences of grief, are universal emotions that we all share, no matter who we are or where we live.

The death someone close to you can affect every person differently, but  studies of grieving brains have shown that there are no scientific differences in relation to race, age or religion. We can all feel the impact of death: helplessness and sadness – but we may do it, and show it, in different ways.

We may all talk about death and dying in a multitude of ways, but we share a common thread.

This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re focusing on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together.

Because the Culture of Dying Matters.

How culture shapes the service we provide

At Jigsaw South East we tailor our support each family, ensuring we respect their culture and beliefs. Here are some thoughts from some of our support workers about how the culture of the families we provide support to is reflected in our service:

” I’m supporting a family were Hindu was specified as their religion on referral. Being aware that we should not make any assumptions until we have spoken with the families, through conversations they shared they are not practicing the religion and do not feel the need to follow any spiritual, rituals, beliefs. An important reminder that we listen and focus our support from the individual needs and beliefs of the families.”

“I recently provided pre-bereavement support to a Muslim family, which involved several home visits. During this time, I made it a priority to understand and respect their beliefs by engaging in open conversations and asking thoughtful questions. I was mindful of the family’s prayer times, always ensuring visits were scheduled appropriately and respectfully concluding them if prayer was called during our time together.

We offered extensive support prior to the death of their loved one, particularly around how to communicate with their children and liaise with the school, as well as how best to support the children in the days, weeks and months that followed. These discussions were held in advance to ensure their mourning process could proceed without unnecessary disruptions. The family was very open and receptive to my questions, which allowed me to tailor my support to their specific needs and cultural practices. We were also able to provide them with resources that were aligned with their beliefs, ensuring the support was both meaningful and respectful.”

“Even when families state a religion it is important for us to listen and learn about any practices they follow. When I worked with a bereaved student from the travelling community she was happy for me to ask questions about what happened and traditions such as ‘sitting up with the body’ and the different roles that males and females take after a death.  This was also helpful when we supported a Muslim family at groups, hearing about what had happened to them after the death and how that fits with their beliefs.” 

Jigsaw South East provides information and guidance to help support children and young people facing or coping with the death of a loved one. We support families in Surrey, and nearby areas of East and West Sussex and Kent. 

If you would like to know more about the support we provide please visit our pre bereavement or grief support web pages. You can also contact our helpline for families and professionals.  

 Helpline: 01342 313895 | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 12.30pm