Posted on: 19 May 2025
This year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 – 11 May) in West Yorkshire sparked powerful conversations across the region, highlighting how our cultural, religious and personal experiences shape the way we think about death. The campaign focused on one unifying message: while traditions may differ, grief and loss are universal - and compassion is key.
From Bradford to Leeds, local teams hosted a wide range of events to encourage open, honest dialogue about death, dying and bereavement. Each event aimed to break the silence and stigma often associated with end-of-life topics.
Exploring the culture of dying through learning and conversation
One of the week’s highlights was a virtual lunch and learn session led by Amy Kenyon, Macmillan Transformation Lead at the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. The session explored how communities across the UK approach death and dying and how shared experiences of grief can bring people together.
Attended by 34 staff members from across the region, the session created a safe space for reflection. Participants shared personal stories and practical tips, highlighting how talking about death - although difficult - can be healing.
One attendee said: “Even though it can be emotionally triggering, it is still good to talk. There is a therapy in sharing how one feels, as well as empathising with others who have experienced loss.”
Photography, faith, and storytelling in Bradford
In Bradford, an inspiring Dying Matters exhibition brought together Pakistani women to explore deeply personal conversations around death and grief. The project, led by photographer Shy Burhan and Palliative Care Consultant Dr Jamilla Hussain, was delivered in partnership with WomenZone, The Leap, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.
Workshops drew on Islamic perspectives and palliative care expertise, offering an inclusive space for women to share experiences, ask questions and learn from each other.
Kulvant Sandhu, Senior Programme Manager for Personalised End-of-Life Care and Unpaid Carers, said:
“This work is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the strength, honesty, and openness of the women involved. I’m proud to share that our palliative programme will support the continuation of this work next year.”
Celebrating life and loss at St James’ Hospital
The Culture of Dying Matters Festival at St James’ Hospital in Leeds offered a moving and uplifting experience. Led by the Specialist Palliative Care Team, the event brought people together through music, poetry and storytelling to reflect on loss, love and humanity.
Performances by Unity The After Cure Choir, spoken word artists and cultural storytellers touched on every emotion - from sorrow to joy. Information stalls from a wide range of organisations provided resources and support to attendees.
Faith, 
feelings and final moments on air
A special radio programme on Link FM, hosted by Mirban Hussain from Care AcrossCultures featured heartfelt conversations between professionals from health and faith backgrounds. Speakers included Ustadah Maysoon Shafiq, John Mitchell and Amy Kenyon. Together, they shared insights on how culture, faith and compassion influence our experiences of death and dying.
Listeners were encouraged to reflect on how they support one another through life’s most difficult moments. The discussion offered both practical advice and deep emotional resonance. Listen to the recording.
Final reflections
Dying Matters Awareness Week reminded us that talking about death doesn’t bring it closer - it brings us closer. These conversations are essential, not just during one week, but every day. As we continue to break down barriers, we also build stronger, more compassionate communities.
The message is clear:
Keep talking.
Keep sharing.
And - above all - keep listening.