Compassionate Communities

Summer 2019: This project has now ended. The information below shows how the project operated. If you still want to become a Compassionate Communites Supporter, the information is below too.

Compassionate Communities Derbyshire aimed to encourage people and communities to talk about death, dying, bereavement and loss, to allow people to share their preferences and wishes about the future and to support each other in practical and emotional ways. 

The project was funded by Derbyshire County Council and delivered by Age UK Derby and Derbyshire in the High Peak and two other projects are being delivered in Erewash and South Derbyshire, by Treetops Hospice care.

About the project

Former project coordinator Jane Butler explained, ‘Many people face the end of their lives unprepared emotionally, practically, financially and legally, and this can add a huge strain to the person concerned and their families; making what can be a difficult time, even more difficult. It can have far reaching impact across health and social care, voluntary, community and faith groups, and mental health services too.

I think as a society we’ve lost confidence in talking about and dealing with death and dying, this project wshowed that death and dying isn’t a taboo subject, but that it is part of who we, our families and communities are, and should be talked about and planned for as much as a new arrival into the family.

 As well as helping individuals to plan for the end of their lives, ithe project encouraged and developed the many things communities can do to help them.  WWe worked in partnership with health and social care professionals to deliver our aims, and supported employers to adopt best practice for their employees and promote the Dying to Work Charter.  We held public events to give people the opportunity to discuss death openly and to find out about ways in which funeral rites can be truly individual’.

Become a Compassionate Communities Supporter

By becoming a Compassionate Communities Supporter you will be able help communities to provide support to someone who has a life limiting illness, and their families, or those who have lost someone they loved. 

Compassionate Communities Supporter Information

Dying to Work Charter - Sep 2018

Information about the charter which is designed to provide support for people with a terminal illness who want to continue in work. Age UK Derby & Derbyshire have already signed up for this charter. Read more

More information

For more information about this project that has now come to an end, please contact Katy Pugh, AUKDD Chief Executive on 01773 766922 or email administration@ageukdd.org.uk