Amica Supports Dying Matters Week 2023 at UHL

May 1, 2023

University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) will mark Dying Matters Awareness Week 2023 with a focus on this year’s national theme: “Dying matters at work.” The campaign will encourage more open conversations around death, dying, and bereavement – especially in the workplace.

Dying Matters Awareness Week is a national campaign led by Hospice UK, aimed at breaking down the stigma around death and grief by encouraging people to talk more openly about these experiences. The 2023 theme highlights the impact of grief and bereavement on working life. With over half of UK employees having experienced a bereavement in the last five years, this week will call for better support and understanding in workplaces like the NHS.

Amica will play a key role throughout the week, alongside colleagues from the Trust’s Health & Wellbeing Team, the Bereavement Team, Chaplaincy, and the Palliative Care Team. Staff will be able to speak with someone in person, collect information, and access compassionate support at the following locations:

Tuesday 9 May – Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), LEat restaurant
Wednesday 10 May – Glenfield Hospital, Main Entrance foyer
Thursday 11 May – Glenfield Hospital, Main Entrance foyer
Friday 12 May – Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), LEat restaurant

Representatives from each team will be available at these sites between 10am and 4pm to offer support, signposting, and conversation.

Roy McPartland, Amica Counsellor, said:

“Death is something that everybody will be affected by and as the staff counselling service, we’re here to help anyone who may have suffered a bereavement, or may be expecting a bereavement. Sometimes, staff themselves may be dying and we are there to give them the space to understand that and talk openly. We are here if you need somebody to talk to and will provide a confidential, safe space to process your emotions.”

Amica’s presence during Dying Matters Week will highlight its ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all staff – especially during life’s most difficult and emotional moments.

Resources and Support

Hospice UK – Dying Matters
https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters
Dying Matters in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
https://www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com/
Cruse Bereavement Support – National bereavement charity offering free, confidential support.
https://www.cruse.org.uk | 0808 808 1677