Before Their Time

COVID-19 is going to mean some people dying before their time, or some of us not being able to visit someone for a last time. It's going to affect us in ways we're only just starting to understand. To acknowledge this, Dying Matters have launched the #BeforeTheirTime campaign. This is so people can share their experiences and talk through concerns in this difficult time.  As well as the hashtag, we will also be using the below image, which you can download if you wish at the bottom of the page. You can use the sunflower emoji on your phone if you are posting messages from there or want to send messages of solidarity. Please do follow along and contribute on social media. 

It can be difficult to know what to say when someone is very ill or to a bereaved person. This could be through fear of saying the wrong thing or fear of being intrusive, but people will often need a lot of support. 

Remember:

• It's better to do something than nothing - to acknowledge loss rather than ignore it;
• Look for invitations to talk from the other person. If they start talking about the person who has died, encourage them, even if it seems to make them upset;
• Be comforting when opening up the conversation rather business-like;
• Try and create an environment where the person has the freedom to talk or not talk, according to what they want. "I'm around all day if you fancy a chat..." 

Download the #BeforeTheirTime logo in different formats here:

BEFORE THEIR TIME - .jpg

BEFORE THEIR TIME - .eps

BEFORE THEIR TIME - .png