DYING. It might happen to everyone, but it is something we find incredibly difficult to talk about.

A nationwide scheme running this week aims to change this, by encouraging us all to chat openly about death, dying and bereavement.

The sixth annual Dying Matters Awareness Week ends on May 24 and a range of events have been taking place up and down the country.

Dying Matters, a coalition of 30,000 members in England and Wales, was set up by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) in 2009.

The organisation raises awareness of the difficulties a death can cause for relative if a loved one has not already made their wishes known.

It wants people to be as open as possible with their families about their plans for the end of their life so that, when the time comes, things run as smoothly as possible.

Members believe there needs to be a fundamental change in society so that dying, death and bereavement are accepted a natural part of the life cycle.

Dying Matters experts say a current lack of openness on this issue impacts on the experiences of people who are dying or bereaved, and could affect our ability to die where or how we wish.

Bolton Hospice is one of the many bodies across the borough which has been involved with Dying Matters Awareness Week.

The hospice – which states it is committed to changing the attitudes of Boltonians to death, dying and bereavement – invited staff to share their ‘Talk, Plan, Live’ mottos.

Bolton Hospice also runs training courses for professionals who want to learn more about subjects including childhood loss and spirituality in healthcare.

Bolton Hospice educator Vicky Guest said: “As a hub of specialist knowledge, Bolton Hospice has become a key provider of end of life care training in Bolton.

“Many people do not know the hospice runs cost-effective specialist training courses to external attendees on subjects such as symptom management, communication skills, dementia care, spirituality and bereavement.”

Dying Matters is encouraging the public to take five simple steps to plan for the future.

These are to write a will, record funeral wishes, plan future care and support, consider registering as an organ donor and explain these wishes to loved ones.

Claire Henry, chief executive of Dying Matters and the NCPC, said: “Every minute someone in England dies, but many people still feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues.

“Talking about dying, death and bereavement is in everyone’s interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care and support we want, where we want it, at the end of our lives.”

Anyone who is interested in receiving information about Bolton Hospice’s training opportunities should email victoria.guest@boltonhospice.org or call 01204 663 066.

For more information about Dying Matters Awareness Week go to dyingmatters.org