Dying Matters Awareness Week, led by Hospice UK, runs from 4th to 10th May 2026 and encourages individuals, families and communities to have more open and honest conversations about death, dying and bereavement. This year’s theme is Let’s Talk About Death and Dying – and it’s a conversation well worth having.
For many of us, the subject feels uncomfortable. But avoiding it often creates greater uncertainty, stress and difficulty at an already emotional time. At Cunningtons, we see first-hand how planning ahead can make a real difference – not just in ensuring your wishes are respected, but in easing the burden on the people you love.
Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Death?
In British culture, death is often treated as a taboo subject. Many people worry that raising the topic seems morbid or upsetting. In reality, though, just staying silent tends to leave important matters unresolved.
Who will make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity? How will your estate be distributed when you die? What are your preferences for care at the end of your life? These aren’t morbid questions. They’re practical ones, and having clear answers provides enormous comfort for you and for your family.
Dying Matters Awareness Week tries to normalise these conversations and help people to plan ahead with confidence.
The Importance of Having a Will
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take. Without one, your estate will be distributed under intestacy rules, which may not reflect your actual wishes.
A professionally-drafted Will lets you decide who inherits your assets, appoint guardians for any minor children, choose your trusted executors, and potentially reduce inheritance tax liabilities. It also significantly reduces the risk of disputes between family members at an already difficult time.
Planning for Loss of Capacity
Planning ahead isn’t only about what happens after you’re gone. Loss of mental capacity – whether through illness, injury or simply the effects of ageing – can happen unexpectedly, and it’s wise to be prepared.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, covering both your property and financial affairs and your health and welfare. Without an LPA in place, your loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection to arrange your care, a process that can be lengthy, stressful and expensive.
Supporting Your Loved Ones
Clear planning doesn’t just protect you, it protects the people closest to you too. It removes uncertainty at the hardest of times and allows your family to focus on what really matters: supporting each other.
Even simple steps make a difference:
- Documenting your wishes.
- Having an honest conversation with a family member.
- Putting a Will in a place where it can be found.
These things take less time than most people expect and provide reassurance that lasts a lifetime.
Starting the Conversation
Not sure where to begin? You don’t need to have everything worked out before you ask for advice. Start by reflecting on what matters most to you, have a conversation with someone you trust, and when you’re ready, speak to a solicitor who can guide you through the legal side clearly and without jargon.
Dying Matters Awareness Week is a reminder that these conversations aren’t about dwelling on death – they’re about taking control, providing clarity and giving yourself and your family genuine peace of mind.
How Cunningtons Can Help
Our experienced team is here to support you with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and estate planning, including advice on inheritance tax. We approach these matters with sensitivity, honesty and professionalism, helping you make informed decisions at your own pace. We’ve written about this before, you can read our 2021 Dying Matters post here.
Ready to take the first step?
There’s no “right time” to start planning, but being prepared is always valuable.
For advice, or to arrange a no-obligation conversation about putting plans in place, contact our Wills and Probate team leader, Bryony Wilmshurst by telephone on 01376 567280 or by email at bryony.wilmshurst@cunningtons.co.uk.