Planning Ahead Being Ready for the Future and Dealing with the Past

Talking about death and grief can be difficult but being prepared, planning ahead and getting practical advice can help both you and your loved ones. At this special event members of the public can come to Lisburn City Library on Friday 1 November to meet with service providers and support organisations to better understand and prepare for the challenges and decisions that we will all face in the future, whether emotional, medical, legal or financial.

From 11:00am to 3:00pm there will be various stands throughout the library with staff from a range of organisations who will be on hand to offer essential advice and help.

Throughout the event, there will be short seminars from experts, including the National Association of Funeral Directors, Cruse Bereavement Care, Belfast Hospice, the Commissioner for Older People NI Legal Services and Compassionate Communities.

11:15am - National Association of Funeral Directors

The National Association of Funeral Directors will discuss topics like the importance of discussing funeral wishes with those you love while you can, the emotional impact of skipping a funeral, changes in funeral customs in recent years, and the inextricable link between bereavement, the journey of grief and the healing that saying goodbye can bring.

12 noon - Cruse Bereavement Care

The discussion will cover the range of support Cruse offers for people of all ages dealing with bereavement and grief. Topics include how bereavement impacts individuals, ways to prepare loved ones for death, and available support afterward. There will be a focus on bereavement support for children and young people, community responses to sudden loss, and services for those in prison. Attendees will also hear about the Cruse online and in-person support groups, along with one-on-one support to help people navigate their grief journey.

12:45pm - Belfast Hospice

Belfast Hospice will explain their holistic patient-centred care approach, including inpatient care, symptom control, rehab, end of life care and support for families before and after bereavement. They will also highlight the role of their volunteers and the additional support services they offer, such as therapy dog visits and volunteer music sessions.

1:30pm - Commissioner for Older People NI Legal Services

The Head of Legal and Advocacy Services for the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will discuss key topics relevant to older people, their families, and carers, aiming to provide information that empowers individuals to proactively plan for the future.

The discussion will cover the need for Enduring Powers of Attorney, Controllerships, and the legal and practical aspects of managing the loss of capacity. It will also address the transition to supported care, whether in the community or in a care facility, ensuring people’s wishes are respected and properly managed.

2:15pm - Compassionate Communities

The Plan Ahead Workshop is designed to help people to make informed decisions about their future health, personal care, and end-of-life preferences. The workshop is appropriate for people aged 18+ who have the mental capacity to make decisions about future care needs.

Through this workshop, the aim is to provide information and tools necessary for people to express their wishes clearly and confidently, ensuring their choices are respected. The workshop covers a wide range of topics, including ‘what matters to me’, understanding legal and financial considerations, and making informed decisions about treatment and care options.  

Organisations hosting information stands at this unique one-day event will include:

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

Organ Donation NI

Make the Call

Registrar’s Office

LCCC Age Friendly

LCCC Cemeteries Admin

Macmillan / Belfast Trust

SE Trust Carer Support Service

Belfast Hospice

Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh

Cruse Bereavement Care

Age NI

Alzheimer’s Society

Compassionate Communities

Praxis Care

National Association of Funeral Directors

Commissioner for Older People NI

Bridge Community Centre Bereavement Group

NI Healthcare Chaplains’ Association

Everyone is invited to drop into this event anytime between 11:00am and 3:00pm, booking is not necessary but if you would like further information please contact Lisburn City Library on 028 9266 9345 or email lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk.