Understanding dying and bereavement

BIRTHS, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries are many of life’s milestones that are planned and celebrated.

Living Today, Dying Tomorrow is an upcoming event organised by Ballarat & Regional Compassionate Communities focussed on planning and talking about the end stage of life.

Specialists from Ballarat Hospice Care, palliative care providers, funeral directors, support services, health professionals, legal experts will provide and discuss information on planning for end of life options at a free of charge information day on Thursday, 21 March.

The inaugural event, to be held at the newly refurbished Ballarat Cemetery Chapel, commences with a professional networking luncheon with guest speakers Dr Kerrie Noonan, The Groundswell Project co-founder and Dr David Brumley, Ballarat Hospice Care’s director.

Dr Brumley said big improvements in the quality of care of dying patients will depend on changes in the way communities accept the challenge of being involved.

“We are all involved, professionals, family and friends, so we must all work together towards a better understanding of the normal place of living, dying and bereavement in our community,” said he said.

There is a series of workshops running over the course of the afternoon with community experts covering topics on grieving and dying.

The event will wrap up at 5pm with Ballarat musician Candi Wade performing at the Death Bar where participants are encouraged to mingle and network Living Today, Dying Tomorrow is on Thursday, 21 March at Ballarat Cemetery, Doveton Street North Ballarat from 2 pm to 7pm.

Full program can be viewed online at ballaratcemeteries.com.au, tickets for the luncheon, held 12.pm to 1.30pm, are $55 and can be booked online at eventbrite.com/e/living-today-dyingtomorrow-tickets-56304804185.

Workshops are free of charge. For further information contact Annie DeJong on 0419 304 117.