Dying Matters

How do we respond when someone wants to discuss death, or grief, or their will or funeral plans with us?

It’s too easy to dodge that conversation with a joke or a “maybe later.” But we know it’s hard for people to talk about death and the practical aspects of getting ready for it. So when someone wants to talk about death, we owe it to them to be the other half of that conversation. If they want to talk, we need to listen.

Hospice UK have some tips on active listening, and reassure people that you don’t need to be an expert on wills, funerals or advance care planning. There Dying Matters website signposts to relevant information.

Please click the links below for more information:

Things to do before you die
Supporting bereavement
Let's talk about dying
Talking about dying with people affected by dementia
Talking about dying with children

Temporary suspension of minor injury and illness services at Bracknell Urgent Care Centre

Received from East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Minor illness and injury services at the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre will be temporarily suspended as part of the national effort to combat Covid-19 (coronavirus).

In recent weeks, local health services have changed the way they work in order to support the national effort to halt the spread and the impact of the virus.

Hospitals have postponed elective surgery, GPs have moved to a phone or online initial appointment system and many other services are operating remotely – all in line with national guidance.

Across the country, NHS staff have been redeployed into new, temporary roles, to increase the response to Covid-19 and to support those treating the most seriously ill patients.

The impact of the virus and the national lockdown – with most people now staying at home as instructed – has resulted in attendances at the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre falling by 75 per cent.

In order to make the best use of resources, local NHS commissioners have taken the decision to temporarily suspend minor illness and injury services at Bracknell Urgent Care Centre from the end of Friday 1 May. This will allow clinicians from the unit to be redeployed to where their skills can be put to the best use.

Anybody needing treatment for injuries such as suspected fractures or broken bones should still attend their local Accident and Emergency unit in the normal way (Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, or the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading).

There are a number of service still running from the Bracknell Healthspace click for more information.

Dementia Action Week

This week would have been Dementia Action Week. While it's been postponed until later in the year, it's more important than ever that there is support for people affected dementia.

Right now there are 700,000 people with dementia whose lives have been turned upside down by coronavirus. More than two thirds of people affected are feeling lonelier and more isolated.

That means Dementia Friends has never been more important.

What is a Dementia Friend?
A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.

Too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with. Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.

What does a Dementia Friend do?
Dementia Friends help people living with dementia by taking actions - both big and small.

These actions don't have to be time-consuming. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts! Dementia Friends can also get involved with things like volunteering, campaigning or wearing a badge to raise awareness.

Who can be a Dementia Friend?
Everyone! Dementia Friends is open to anyone who wants to help people with dementia in their community.

Become a Demnetia Friend

CAMHS Resources

This site was created for young people, carers and professionals to pool together lots of helpful resources from across the internet that are available to help support your mental health and well-being.