Bunbury will host a State forum in August which will delve into an array of discussions surrounding caring, dying and grieving. It is the initiative of the South West Compassionate Communities Network and titled 'Let's Build a Compassionate and Connected WA'. The Bunbury Mail will be running a series of stories on the topic in the lead up to the forum. This one highlights the range of Dying to Know activities surrounding the forum.
A number of activities throughout the South West in August will answer many of the questions people are dying to know.
The South West Compassionate Communities Network is conducting tours, information sessions, a death cafe and an open day to get people speaking openly about death, grief and end-of-life planning.
It's all part of a global Dying to Know Day movement promoted by The Groundswell Movement.
The South West Compassionate Community Network Dying to Know Day coordinator Heather Wade said there were nine activities which would encourage people to ask questions, get answers and think about end-of-life planning.
"We have some interesting events including tours of the Bunbury Cemetery and Crematorium, Living Legacy Forest and the care centre at William Barrett and Sons," she said.
"We have a death cafe evening, an information session on speaking about suicide at Shining Hope and an open day at the City of Busselton.
"We feel it's valuable for people to get behind the scenes, to talk openly and understand the vast array of options available for end of life care.
"It's also helpful for people to have that reassurance and understanding of how they will be cared for to take away some of the taboo and fear of death."
Read more:
Hancock Memorials manager Lisa Miles and her father Jim Bovell will conduct a tour titled 'Memorials through Time' at Bunbury Cemetery on Friday, August 6.
"This tour is all about how memorials are made and how they've changed over time," Mrs Miles said.
"We'll be touring the Bunbury Cemetery looking at memorials from the early 1900's to present day.
"We hope it will give people an appreciation of the craftsmanship behind the memorials as well as understand some of the meaning and culture reflected in memorial design."
The events coincide with the WA Compassionate Communities Forum which will be held on Saturday, August 7 at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
The forum will feature an exclusive line up of speakers and brings together researchers, policy makers, community members, local government, health and community service providers.
The ultimate goal is to encourage our communities to foster more community-driven support for people who are caring, dying and grieving.
The Network's Community Connector Program will be featured at the forum - a program which brings trained volunteers into the homes of individuals or families who need extra support at end of life.
For more information and registration requirements for the range of events visit the South West Compassionate Communities Facebook page or www.comcomnetworksw.com.
The forum will also be live-streamed.
