New project launches in Somerset to help families have important end of life conversations

A new three-year project launches in Somerset this month to encourage and support people to have important conversations about death and dying.

The 'Somerset Talk About Project' will help people think about and discuss "what's important to me" when it comes to the end of life.

Specially trained Marie Curie Companions will arrange two or three meetings – in person or on the phone, where they will guide the person through a sensitively thought out programme of questions and conversations, to help them put together an advance care plan for their end-of-life care.

If you're looking to get support through the service, please call 0800 3047 412 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm).

The new service will be delivered by Marie Curie in partnership with Somerset CCG, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital and is targeted to support over 4000 people in its first three years.

In the first year, the focus for the service will be on Taunton, West Somerset and surrounding areas including Bridgwater, Chard, Langport and Ilminster, North Sedgemoor and Wellington/Tone Valley and will then be rolled out across the county in year two and three.

Up-front funding comes in the form of a social impact bond from the End of Life Care Integrator and the National Lottery Community Fund's Commissioning Better Outcomes programme. If the project meets agreed outcomes after the first year, Somerset CCG will pay back the cost of the up-front social impact investment.

Research commissioned by Marie Curie in 2019 found that not being aware of someone's final wishes, left those bereaved finding it difficult to cope with emotional wellbeing, financial matters, funeral arrangements and other issues as a result. The research also showed that while most people would be comfortable talking about their own end of life wishes (82%) or those of their loved ones (70%), very few have actually had this conversation (36%) or made any preparations (25%)[i].

Julia Bearne, Community Engagement and Development Manager for Marie Curie in Wales and Southern England, said:

"It is incredibly important for families to have these important conversations, share their wishes and be prepared so that they have the best chance of a good end of life experience for themselves and those they leave behind. Not making any preparations can cause unnecessary upset, both for us and the people around us.

"The Somerset Talk About Project will guide patients and their families through the process of creating an advance care plan, with the aim of normalising the conversation about what is important to them, including about their care at end of life."

Katy Nex, Social Finance's Development Manager, said:

"With its focus on outcomes, this service will be continuously adapted to maximise its impact on the community, and commissioners will be given assurance of its effectiveness, thereby supporting the project's sustainability in the future."

If you live in Taunton or West Somerset or surrounding areas and would like to find out more about the Somerset Talk About Project or to make a referral, you can speak to your GP or you can make a self-referral by calling 0800 3047 412 or email southwesthelper@mariecurie.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2224 adults, of which 222 were from the South West. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th - 25th October 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

About Marie Curie - A better end of life for all
*Please not we are Marie Curie (not Marie Curie Cancer Cancer)

The UK's leading end of life charity, Marie Curie provides end of life care and support for people with a terminal illness, be that motor neurone disease, heart failure, Parkinson's, dementia or terminal cancer. We provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best experience possible at the end of their lives.

Marie Curie Companions
Marie Curie Companions are trained volunteers who provide a range of services across the South West including emotional support and bereavement support.

Marie Cure in the South West
(Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, Bath and Wiltshire)

Last year (2019/2020), a team of 200 Marie Curie Nurses supported over 3500 dying people across the South West, caring for them in their homes, giving much-needed respite to overstretched carers. Marie Curie Nurses work on the front line, night and day, in people's homes across the South West, providing hands-on care and vital emotional support to dying people and those closest to them. They help people living with a terminal illness to feel safe, supported and cared-for in the place where they're most comfortable.

Marie Curie Free Support Line
When you're dealing with the shock of a terminal illness, the stress of caring for someone you love or the pain of bereavement, the Marie Curie Information and Support line can help. Call free on 0800 090 2309 for information about all aspects of end of life or grieving, whether you have practical, emotional or financial questions or concerns, or if you just want someone to talk to. Nurses are also available to talk to on the line. For more information, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/support

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