Two informative booklets have been developed in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), Gentle Dusk and Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust to support individuals and families navigating end-of-life decisions and bereavement by offering clear, compassionate guidance at some of life’s most challenging moments.
The booklets, titled ‘Guide to End-of-Life Planning’ and ‘When Someone Dies’, aim to empower people by providing information, support and advice when facing death - whether their own or that of someone close to them. This includes practical guidance about funerals, estate planning, and legal requirements as well as information and support on making end-of-life care decisions and navigating grief. Feedback so far from both professionals and bereaved families has been overwhelmingly positive.
The project was led by Mireille Herbert Hayden, a Health Psychologist who works closely with Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust, with input from the Specialist Palliative Care Team at NBT and Gentle Dusk service users. Mireille also drew upon her own experience of a family member’s cancer diagnosis in shaping the language to ensure it provided empathy, comfort and compassion.
The launch of the booklets coincides with Dying Matters Awareness Week, a national campaign that encourages open conversations about death, dying, and bereavement to break down stigma, promote earlier discussions and ensure more people feel equipped to approach end-of-life matters.
The booklets are available to both the public and healthcare professionals and have been translated into five languages.
Mireille Herbert Hayden, Health Psychologist and Director of Gentle Dusk, said:
“These booklets have been created to gently guide people through conversations and decisions that can often feel overwhelming. By providing clear, thoughtful information, we hope to give individuals and families a sense of control and reassurance.
“This can be an incredibly difficult time, and I’d encourage people to take things one step at a time and just do what is manageable. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve produced and the feedback we’ve received so far.”
Professor Steve Hams, Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer for Bristol NHS Group, said: “End-of-life care is about more than clinical input; it’s about dignity, connection, and ensuring that every individual and family has the space to plan, talk, and feel supported.
“My heartfelt thanks to Gentle Dusk, Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust, our Palliative Care Team at NBT and all those who have contributed their time, stories and experiences to create these resources, and ensure they are accessible to everyone who needs them – regardless of background.”
For more information or to access the free ‘Guide to End-of-Life Planning’ and ‘When Someone Dies’ booklets visit Homepage - Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust