A SERIES of events will be held in Oxford later this month to encourage people to talk about death in a positive way.

Organised by Sobell House Hospice, talks, training events and poetry readings will take place at various sites from May 13 to May 19 as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week.

A free public event at Oxford’s Christ Church College on Wednesday, May 15 will encourage people to start a conversation about death and dying through creative media.

Titled ‘Finding a Language’, Radiohead drummer Philip Selway will open the event, which will also feature music, poetry, and art therapies – things that help patients to express feelings, and reflect on important moments in life.

For more information and to book a place visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finding-a-language-tickets-60050105482

There will also be a public conference on improving End of Life Care at Lecture Theatre 2, John Radcliffe Hospital on Friday, May 17.

Lead palliative care nurse at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Samantha Edwards, said: “Death is a taboo subject for many people, but by encouraging people to talk and think about it more means people will be aware of the support and information which is available at their time of need.

“With people living longer, and often spending more time in ill-health, we want to encourage people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their life.

“Few of us enjoy thinking about death, and it can be hard to talk about it. But there are things we can do to make it easier.

“By starting the conversation early, your loved ones and you will know what is important to you and what your wishes are.”