Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025: The Differences and Similarities in the Way We Navigate Death  

This week (5 – 11 May) is Dying Matters Awareness Week, a campaign run by Hospice UK that encourages all communities to get talking about dying and death in whatever way they choose. 

The theme this year is The Culture of Dying Matters, which acknowledges the diverse approaches that different cultures and faiths have towards death, dying and grief, but also recognises the innate similarities between us all when it comes to core feelings, processes, and emotions.  

Here, our Wellbeing team share how they adapt their practice to support people’s different expectations, rituals, and plans – ensuring they remain inclusive whilst guiding people through the emotional and practical aspects of death that are similar for us all. 

Selena King, our Spiritual and Anticipatory Care Lead, often meets people in the weeks, days and hours before death. Selena said:  

“These are precious moments often filled with feeling, memory and meaning. Everyone comes with a different story and part of our role is to honour that, to listen for what matters most and to help people to feel seen and heard, just as they are.  

“Inclusive practice, for me, begins with curiosity and humility. It’s important that we don’t assume what someone believes or needs, even if we know their cultural or religious background. Instead, it’s about creating the kind of space where they can show or tell us. Sometimes it means asking gentle questions; other times it means being quiet and observant.”

“Although our catchment area covers an ethnically diverse population, most people we care for are white and often from broadly Christian or non-religious backgrounds. I understand why someone from a different faith or culture might prefer to take on certain aspects of care themselves. Some rituals are so rooted in tradition, language, or feeling, that it’s only natural people would want someone from their own community to take the lead.” 

Sue Manby-Clarke, our Social Worker, agrees:  

“I support people both on the ward and within the community. It’s relatively uncommon to find patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds on the ward as they often have a cultural expectation that family members will support them at home through the last days of life. However, in the community, I support a much more varied range of ethnicities and cultures. 

“I have learnt to be open to differences and always try to remember that some things, like being offered drinks or food, may carry more cultural significance for some families than it would for someone from the same background as myself. I always ask if people would prefer for me to remove my shoes before entering their home, and carry boot covers for occasions when that may not be appropriate.

I find that visiting patients at home helps to keep conversations natural and flowing. It can be helpful to ask about ornaments or photos they have, to put them at ease, and this will often give a much deeper insight into who they are as a person.” 

Selena continues: 

“There can be huge differences in what brings meaning for people at the end of life. For some, this might be prayer or commendation. Others may wish to explore their thoughts about what happens after death or make peace with difficult memories. For some, it’s simply about being surrounded by family, with all the hubbub and commotion that brings. Holding space for this diversity is at the heart of the inclusive care we provide. 

“We had one patient who was a devoted Christian and we knew that she appreciated prayer. Our volunteer at the time, Annie, who is also an interfaith minister, noticed that the patient had some holy water with her. Annie asked if she would like to be anointed with it. The patient enthusiastically agreed and was delighted that this could be done for her at the hospice. Annie taught the rest of the team how to anoint someone, and this became a regular practice every time we visited this patient, bringing her deep peace and comfort.” 

There are differences in the rituals and practices that take place after death too, but also similarities in the practical aspects all of us follow after a loved one dies. 

Sue said: 

“I aim to support rather than lead when it comes to planning for death with families but will always provide information and guidance about the standard legal formalities that impact everyone. This includes the medical examiner process; applying for a death certificate; and notifying relevant organisations. So, whilst I treat every person that I support as a unique individual, I provide the same reassurance to everyone that I can help them to navigate the system when they are at their most vulnerable.” 

Selena shared: 

“Our ward nurses are often the ones who carry out rituals immediately after death. Some of the examples they have shared with me include placing gold in the mouth of someone recently deceased to help the soul navigate the afterlife (Hindu), putting coins in the hands to ‘pay the ferryman’ (Pagan), and laying out the body so people can visit to pay their respects (Irish Catholic). In the case of Muslim patients, the body is often required to be at the mosque and buried within 24 hours, so the nurses must prepare for this in advance to ensure that this can be facilitated quickly.” 

Cecilie Sasu, our Counselling and Bereavement Lead, shares some of the common feelings and emotions that are felt by those left behind.  

“Grief is a deeply personal and often complex journey. It can take many forms, influenced by a wide range of factors – emotional, cultural, religious and social. While societal expectations may shape how grief is expressed, every person’s experience of loss is uniquely their own. 

“For many, grief begins with shock or disbelief, even when the loss is anticipated. It can bring a fluctuating mix of emotions that ebb and flow over time, often accompanied by deep pain. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through connection: by sharing stories, being seen and heard, and finding solidarity with others who understand. 

“At St Catherine’s, we provide bereavement support to those coping with the loss of a loved one. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally sensitive space where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. Our services include one-to-one counselling and support groups, and are designed to offer comfort, understanding, and connection during a profoundly difficult time.” 

Selena concludes: “There is always a desire for meaning, connection, and kindness.”  

For more information on how we can support you and your loved ones in a way that’s meaningful and personal to you, visit our Caring for You page.