Ideal Death Show 2015

The Ideal Death Show is a weekend gathering of entrepreneurs, pioneers and progressives from the funeral industry. At the Ideal Death Show you can talk about bereavement, funeral planning and the more unusual ways that people are choosing to mark their own passing. We pick the best lecturers to talk about topics like what it feels like […]

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Supporting a child after bereavement

This week we bring you advice on supporting a child after bereavement from our friends at Winston’s Wish. Each year, Winston’s Wish supports over 30,000 bereaved children and young people after the death of their mum, dad, brother or sister, so that they can face the future with confidence and hope.

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Dying to Live workshop, Cornwall June 2015

Dying to Live workshops offer TIME and PEACE FOR YOU to contemplate life and death in the most positive way. They’ve been happening twice a year in Cornwall and Dorset for the last 15 years, thanks to the energy and skills of Archa Kate Robinson.

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Death certificates in Scotland

There are now new rules applying to death certificates in Scotland. Among the positive changes, cremation fees have been abolished. Families no longer have to pay £170 fees for cremation forms that doctors previously signed to give permission for a body to be cremated.

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Jimmy’s good death

Friend of Final Fling, Jimmy Stewart, is interested in achieving a good death. He became interested in knowing more about the rules and options around end of life after watching his mum die. He’s one of a growing band of us actively interested in managing our options.

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Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015 #YODO

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015 – #YODO for our Twitter friends – runs from 18-24 May. There are events taking place all over the UK. Dying Matters Awareness Week 2015 – #YODO for our Twitter friends – runs from 18-24 May. There are events taking place all over the UK.

Final Fling and others will be marking the week with a Death Cafe… the growing movement to encourage open conversations about life, death, loss, grief… all the things that have been a bit of a taboo for way too long. If you have an interest in your own life and your eventual end of life, get involved! Look out for Twitter chats every day from 1-2pm on various subjects

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Disposing of a body

I’ve just been talking to a journalist, keen to know about the options for disposing of a body and this has prompted me to share this information. (It still surprises me that this isn’t stuff we all know by now since it’s the one sure fire thing in life – we will all die.)

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Sacred Transitions

Sacred Transitions offers a lay-person’s course to empower and inspire a timely change in our approach to death and dying. Together we will explore practical ways to care for and accompany a relative, friend or neighbour as they die. Dying can be a very sacred time of life. Awakening this aspect of ourselves can help us to […]

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Bereavement fares

I’m grateful to friend of Final Fling, Becky, this week for sharing useful information about bereavement fares. Apparently some airlines offer special fares to support travellers rushing back home from travels because someone close to them is dying or has died. It’s not a huge amount – maybe 10% off – but every little helps.

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#Good to Be Alive

 I’m inviting Flingers to share one good reason that it’s Good to Be Alive this week. #GTBA Final Fling isn’t just about funerals and dying. It’s about the complex stuff we have to deal with while we’re alive. And part of that is actually being able to appreciate life. I’m very alert to the theme Good to Be […]

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Bereavement and Tax

Bereavement and Tax – it’s changing again. There can be a mountain of paperwork to deal with after a bereavement, and everyday matters like dealing with banks, council departments and utility companies can become overwhelming. One area that needs attention after most bereavements is tax.

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Kicking the Bucket Festival

THE Kicking the Bucket Festival takes place in Oxford for three weeks between October 22-November 13 and aims to puts the subjects of death and life in the spotlight.

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SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2014

The SunLife ‘Cost of Dying’ report is out for 2014. Here are their findings:

Latest research reveals the total cost of dying in the UK has risen over 10% in the last year. The cost of dying now averages £8,427. This is seven times higher than the cost of living.

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