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EOLC guidance Washing and shrouding guidance for Muslim patients

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EOLC guidance Washing and shrouding guidance for Muslim patients

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Adult Muslims receiving social care support

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Adult Muslims receiving social care support

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MUSLIM PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS -  AUTUMN 2022 - FINAL

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EOLC for Muslim patients Birmigham mosque

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EOLC for Muslim patients Birmigham mosque

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Guidance on palliative care including why it is relevant to the homelessness sector, and how services can identify and support those who may need palliative services.

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Homeless Palliative Care Toolkit – Pathway

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Developed by Pathway in collaboration with Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department at UCL and St Mungo’s, this free online toolkit helps frontline staff to identify and communicate with people they are concerned about, and access support from other services. It has also been found to be useful for health and social care providers.

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Rowans Hospice Meerkats 'Small Book of Big Conversations'

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Rowans Hospice Meerkats 'Small Book of Big Conversations'

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Hampshire CAHMS bereavement and loss information

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Hampshire CAHMS bereavement and loss information

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Bereavement and loss of a loved one (such as a family member, friend or pet) can be devastating. People may also feel a sense of loss when an important relationship ends (such as a relationship break up or friendship break down). When someone experiences a bereavement or loss, it can be hard to understand, process, or adjust. They may experience many thoughts and feelings including, sadness, worry, anger, or confusion. If the person they have lost has been unwell, they may experience other feelings such as relief. Some people may not experience any strong feelings at all. There is no right or wrong way to feel think or behave; everyone processes grief differently. Some days they may feel more able to cope than other days.
What it might look like if someone is struggling with bereavement or loss:
Everyone processes grief differently. However, you may notice the following;

A range of emotions from sadness, anger, fear, relief or even nothing at all

Difficulties accepting the loss

A sense of guilt, regret, or responsibility

Difficulties concentrating and poor motivation; you may notice, or they may report it being harder to do school work, or home work

Preferring to be by themselves; not wanting to speak to, or spend time with other people, OR not wanting to be by themselves, and wanting to be close to people they feel comfortable with

Having worries that bad things might happen to them, or other people they love and care about

Having thoughts or urges about wanting to end their life to be with the loved one they have lost

Constant thoughts about what has happened to the loved one they have lost

Disinterest and loss of enjoyment in hobbies and interests

Difficulty sleeping (nightmares, difficulties getting to, or staying asleep, early morning wakening)

For some young people they may wet the bed at night (this is often a sign of unhappiness and stress)

Loss of appetite or comfort eating

Things that might help someone struggling with bereavement or loss:

Acknowledging and normalising that it is usual to feel a range of emotions from sadness, anger, fear, relief or even nothing at all. Some people find anniversaries and certain days (such as birthdays) harder to deal with, so thinking together about how to manage particularly tough days or dates can be helpful.

Try to keep normal routines going as much as possible.

Encourage your young person to keep doing activities they enjoy and spend time with friends and family. Let them know that it is okay to feel happy, to laugh or to have fun. This does not mean that they don't care about the person they have lost.

If they are finding it hard to talk about how they feel, they might find it easier to write down how they are feeling, rather than talk.

Create a memory box full of pictures and items which remind them of good times they had with the person they have lost

Grieving takes a lot of energy. Make sure they eat, drink and rest regularly. Physical activity and getting outside for fresh air daily can help.

There is more information on the Hampshire CAMHS website: Hampshire CAMHS

Use coping techniques and strategies (see videos below)

Simon Says Bereavement Support (Hampshire Based); Simon Says

Winston's Wish Bereavement Support; Winston's Wish

Hope Again Bereavement Support; Hope Again

Help To Make Sense Bereavement Support; Help to make sense

Grief Encounter Bereavement Support; https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/ (Helpline; 0808 802 011, weekdays 9am-9pm)

Survivors of Those Bereaved by Suicide; SOBS

Share concerns with your child's school/college and identify whether additional pastoral support is available

Seek advice, guidance and support from Young Minds Parent Helpline: 08088025544

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Bereavement and loss of a loved one (such as a family member, friend or pet) can be devastating. People may also feel a sense of loss when an important relationship ends (such as a relationship break up or friendship break down). When someone experiences a bereavement or loss, it can be hard to understand, process, or adjust.

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HIOWH Dying Matters Conference 2026 Booking Information

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HIOWH Dying Matters Conference 2026 Booking Information

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Booking information for HIOWH Dying Matters Conference 2026 on 7th May 2026

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Dying Matters Conference 2026 Presenter biographies

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Dying Matters Conference 2026 Presenter biographies

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Dying Matters Presenter Biographies 2026

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Books which help children understand loss and grief

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Books which help children understand loss and grief

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Books to Help Cope with Death, Grief, Loss and Separation

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We have collated some of the best picture books that will help navigate the subjects of death, grief, loss and separation.

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We help children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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Home page for Simon Says Child Bereavement Support charity showing support activities and ways you can support the charity.

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 1

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 1

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Required for any registered or unregistered clinician delivering palliative and end of life care.

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The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) is a registered charity and has been the UK's leading training provider for generalist frontline staff in caring for people in the last years of life for over 25 years. GSF is a practical and evidence-based end of life care improvement programme.

Our aim is to enable a 'gold standard' of care for everyone, with any condition, in any setting, given by any care provider, at any time in a person's last years of life.

We want to ensure people live well before they die and die well in the place and manner of their choosing. Our vision is to ensure that every person caring for those in their final years of life is trained and accredited to GSF standards to deliver gold standard care. ​

We also want larger organisations and integrated care systems to take a population-based view of end of life care, and use GSF to improve whole system care. ​People in the last stage of their lives need a personalised and integrated approach to their care to enable them to live well and die well. We want health and care systems to proactively identify and actively support all people in their final years of life, maximising community resources, whilst reducing crises and over use of hospitilisation.

For over twenty five years, GSF has helped teams in all settings provide improved and proactive care, enabling people to live well until they die. Many thousands of doctors, nurses and carers have received GSF quality improvement training, and we are proud to have awarded GSF Accreditation to health and social care organisations across the country who have demonstrated that quality end of life care is embedded within their organisations. Many organisations have also gone through Re-Accreditation, receiving the GSF Platinum Award, demonstrating sustainability. The GSF Quality Hallmark Award is a kitemark for quality care.

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Welcome to the Gold Standards Framework website...

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SPICT Supportive Palliative Care Indicators Tool 2025

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SPICT Supportive Palliative Care Indicators Tool 2025

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Cleveland Clinic video: Empathy - standing in another person's shoes for just a minute

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Cleveland Clinic video: Empathy - standing in another person's shoes for just a minute

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Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care

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Recorded Dying Matters sessions 2025 link

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Recorded Dying Matters sessions 2025 link

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Join the web's most supportive community of creators and get high-quality tools for hosting, sharing, and streaming videos in gorgeous HD and 4K with no ads.

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Dying Matters Week 2025 HOST BIOGRAPHIES

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Dying Matters Week 2025 HOST BIOGRAPHIES

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HOST BIOGRAPHIES HIOW Healthcare Dying Matters Awareness Week  2025

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Age UK booklet 'When someone dies'. Guidance on the process for carers. Oct 24

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Age UK booklet 'When someone dies'. Guidance on the process for carers. Oct 24

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Hospital Passport Template example from South West London Access to Acute Group

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Easy on the i - Learning Disability Service

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'easy on the i' is the information design service within the Learning Disability Service at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

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Age UK 'Lets talk about death and dying' booklet

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Age UK 'Lets talk about death and dying' booklet

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Victoria and Stewart Guide 1_booklet_home-print v1

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'End of life planning toolkit'

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'End of life planning toolkit'

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Start here

Here is our end of life care planning toolkit! The toolkit was created together with people with learning disabilities, families, learning disability support staff, and healthcare professionals. It includes resources and approaches to support staff with end of life care planning with people with learning disabilities. You can read more about the development of the toolkit here .

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End of Life Care Planning Toolkit| Victoria and Stuart

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Start here Here is our end of life care planning toolkit! The toolkit was created together with people with learning disabilities, families, learning disability support staff, and healthcare professionals. It includes resources and approaches to support staff with end of life care planning with people with learning disabilities.

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Victoria and Stewart Guide 2_single-sided_home-print v1

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Victoria and Stewart Guide 3_single-sided_home-print v1

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'When I'm ill' cards 

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'When I'm ill' cards 

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Victoria and Stewart When I'm ill cards_print-2

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Victoria and Stuart 'When I'm ill - record sheet'

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Victoria and Stuart 'When I'm ill - record sheet'

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Victoria and Stewart When I'm ill cards_recording sheet_print

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'My funeral cards' 

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Victoria and Stuart Project 'My funeral cards' 

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Victoria and Stewart My funeral cards_print-1

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Victoria and Stuart project 'Funeral cards recording sheet'

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Victoria and Stuart project 'Funeral cards recording sheet'

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Victoria and Stewart My funeral cards_recording sheet_print

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Macintyre Charity 'My plan for after I die'

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Macintyre Charity 'My plan for after I die'

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Providing leading training for end of life care

We provide leading training in palliative care, to support other service providers.

Our Service

Client Outcomes

Case Studies

Our Quality

Our leading care

This is the story of Linda, who came to our Gateshead Supported Living Service

Click Here

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript.

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We provide a leading learning and development service to support providers of social care.

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NHS England 2011 Delivering high quality end of life care for people who have a learning disability.

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NHS England 2011 Delivering high quality end of life care for people who have a learning disability.

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Palliative care for people with learning disabilities Network (Totnes, Devon)

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Palliative care for people with learning disabilities Network (Totnes, Devon)

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PCPLD Network - Palliative Care of People with Learning Disabilities Network

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Please be aware that content on this site is for information purposes only and not intended to constitute professional advice as circumstances will vary from person to person. Although every effort is made to ensure that information is up to date independent advice should always be sought.

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NHSE 2017 The route to success in end of life care - achieving quality for people with learning disabilities

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NHSE 2017 The route to success in end of life care - achieving quality for people with learning disabilities

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SPCS Bitesize WATCH BACK RECORDED sessions

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SPCS Bitesize WATCH BACK RECORDED sessions

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Join the web’s most supportive community of creators and get high-quality tools for hosting, sharing, and streaming videos in gorgeous HD and 4K with no ads.

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Macmillan 'What can help you to feel better when someone dies' booklet Easy Read

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Macmillan 'What can help you to feel better when someone dies' booklet Easy Read

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Dying Matters 2025 Talking points Conversation Cards

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Dying Matters 2025 Talking points Conversation Cards

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Talking Points Conversation Starter Cards - Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025

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​This site is for patients, families, general practitioners, community nurses and anyone else experiencing or involved in caring for patients with chronic conditions, life shortening illness or frailty.

​It aims to provide information to support the use of resources developed;
- to help patients and members of the public to plan for their future care
-for professionals to help them ensure that patient wishes are available whenever needed, and are acted upon.
​
Suggestions for site improvements or additional information/materials are always welcome.

New frontpage for the paper Future Care Plan
- supporting resources recently supplied to all General Practices in Fareham, Gosport & South East Hampshire with Portsmouth to follow in the next few weeks.

Thanks to the Rowans Hospice User Group. Previously involved in the design of the My Wishes leaflet, they have once again suggested improvements to make our resources more user friendly.

April 2023 - NEW Future Planning Clinical Staff eLearning Introduction video

Future Planning patient and family video

Patients now receive
"I HAVE A PLAN"
FRIDGE MAGNET
to accompany each
Future Care Plan.

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Future Planning Template support site - learning and support resources for clinicians, patients and families

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End of life care for adults | Guidance and guidelines | NICE

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Evidence-based statements to deliver quality improvements in end of life (palliative) care for adults

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Cleveland Clinic video: Empathy - standing in another person's shoes for just a minute

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Cleveland Clinic video: Empathy - standing in another person's shoes for just a minute

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Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care

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Marie Curie 'What to expect at the end of life'

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Marie Curie 'What to expect at the end of life'

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What you can do to practically care for someone who is in the last days and hours of life. Helix Centre website.

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What you can do to practically care for someone who is in the last days and hours of life. Helix Centre website.

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Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions - Patient information booklet.

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Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions - Patient information booklet.

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Good communication at end of life | Information for professionals

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Good communication is extremely important for providing good care to someone with a terminal illness.

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Talking about death and dying can be tough. Our resources will help you, your family and friends to start the conversation.

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An Advance Care Plan helps you plan your decisions about future care - read our guidance and download our Advance Care Planning template.

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What are your personal priorities?

What matters most is a very personal thing. It might include having health and independence, being able to be with people you love, avoiding discomfort, being able to enjoy the things that make your life feel worthwhile.

Some people find satisfaction and meaning through their job, their hobbies, their religion or their family and friends. For some it's being able to watch nature, others want to watch sport, others want to listen to their favourite music. Some people don't mind where they live and others feel very strongly that they want to avoid hospitals or remain in their own home. These are only a few examples of the sorts of things that matter most to different people.

When there are important decisions to be made in the future about care or medical interventions during a serious illness, or as people become less strong in their older age, it's most satisfying for people if those decisions support what matters most to them. This tool is to help you think those things through from your own, personal perspective.

Why not take a moment now to think about what things matter most to you? Those priorities will help you to think about the information in this tool, and to make choices based on what's important to you.

Who can use this tool?

Anybody can use this tool. The information applies to adults, and the healthcare choices people may come across in the NHS.

You can use it on your own, or with somebody you trust.

You can use it with your doctor or nurse.

Afterwards, the people you discuss these choices with will have a better understanding of what is most important to you. In the future, they will be able to tell your doctors or nurses what matters most to you if there are decisions to be made but you don't feel well enough to make them.

What kind of decisions does it include?

There may be many decisions to make about the way you live your life now and in the future. This tool is only about decisions that affect your medical care priorities. It includes some of the choices some people need to make about treatment and care at the end of life.

It will help your loved ones if you have already thought about some of these decisions and let them know what matters most to you.

Do I have to decide now?

If you prefer, you can work through this tool without making choices just by ticking 'I'm not sure yet' on each page. Then you can think about the information, choose who to talk to, and decide whether to come back to make decisions. Just use the tool the way you find most helpful.

Are my choices binding?

None of the choices you make using this tool will be binding. You can change your mind at any time, and lots of people do. If you are relatively fit and well right now, you may make different choices from the options you would choose if you had a serious or even a life-limiting illness.

There are no right or wrong answers. It's all about making personal choices that make sure that your future care matches up with the things you think are the most important.

At the end of the tool there is information about how to make some legally-binding decisions, if you want to do that.

You can also make a copy of the preferences you choose today, so you can show them to your doctor or nurse. Taking a copy will help you to discuss your preferences, and also discuss how your choices will be recorded in your health records, if you would like to do that.

Would talking to my GP or nurse help?

After you have used this tool we recommend that you make an appointment to talk through the same options with your doctor or nurse (if they aren't with you when you use the tool).

We think it's important to encourage everybody to think about their future health, so that people receive the kind of care they prefer, and are less likely to receive treatments they don't want.

How long will this take?

This tool is simple to use. It may take you 15 minutes or so, perhaps longer if it sets you off on big discussions.

The tool includes 8 questions about your preferences. Each question will take some thought. You can skip any question you're not ready to answer yet.

Will the tool keep my information?

For your privacy, this tool doesn't store any personal information about you. This means it can't save your progress and if you come back later you'll have to start again.

We recommend that you start when you have the time and energy to finish.

On the last page, you can save a copy of your preferences today, to print and share.

Get started

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Planning Ahead: What matters most to you | Welcome

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What Matters Most to you? How should that influence the care and treatment you receive if you should become seriously ill in the future? This on-line tool walks users through some of the big health decisions we all need to make, providing information and then asking questions to get them thinking about each of them.

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Advance care planning - Macmillan Cancer Support

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Advance care planning makes sure people know what your wishes are when it comes to your treatment and future care. We have advice to help you plan ahead.

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HIOW Healthcare Mouth Care patient information leaflet

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HIOW Healthcare Mouth Care patient information leaflet

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 3

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 3

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Required for any senior registered nurse assessing colleagues undertaking Tier 1, Tier 2, and Syringe Driver Competency.

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OPIOID CONVERSION Chart colour Sept 2019

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Facing the Future - a journey in advanced care planning

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A guide to planning future care with patients for staff.

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SCALE-guidance-V5-August-2022 Skin changes at end of life

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Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forrest NHS Trust's 'Improving end of life care for people with intellectual and developmental difficulties resource pack'

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Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forrest NHS Trust's 'Improving end of life care for people with intellectual and developmental difficulties resource pack'

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Dying Matters Books to help us with death and grief

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 2

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End of Life Core Clinical Competency Tier 2

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Required for any registered nurse delivering palliative and end life life care, including Syringe Driver management.

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IOW Symptom control guidelines: CSCI drug compatibility guidance

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IOW Symptom control guidelines: CSCI drug compatibility guidance

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End of Life Guidance for Diabetes Care 2024

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End of Life Guidance for Diabetes Care 2024

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Management of malignant wounds Wounds UK (2024) guidance

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Management of malignant wounds Wounds UK (2024) guidance

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Sections below include: Pain Nausea & Vomiting Breathlessness Secretions Agitation/delirium/anxiety Covid 19

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Multiple hyperlinks to prescribing formulary guidance and key documents

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NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Formulary

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The NHS in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System (HIOW ICS) reviews the use of medicines through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Prescribing Committee (HIOW PC). This committee aims to ensure there is a consistent approach to prescribing the most effective, safe and cost effective medicines across the local healthcare community. The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight joint Medicines Formulary follows recommendations from the HIOW PC. It is for use by all primary and secondary care prescribers within the HIOW ICS locality.

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HIOW Palliative 'Purple drugs formulary' 2025

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HIOW Palliative 'Purple drugs formulary' 2025

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Palliative Care - Medicines Optimisation :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

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These leaflets have been produced by Mountbatten Hampshire to support health professionals in prescribing and administering these medicines. These medicines are part of the new ‘purple drugs’ category on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight formulary that GPs may prescribe to manage symptoms of people dying at home. If you would like further information or a bespoke update session about these drugs, please contact Claire.staktoller@mountbatten.org.uk (Consultant in Palliative Medicine Mountbatten Hampshire)

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2024 Juliet McCormack 'The way we talk about dying matters'

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2024 Juliet McCormack 'The way we talk about dying matters'

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Dying Matters 2024 - The way we talk about dying matters JMC powerpoint

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Symptom control in adults with advanced liver disease BASL guidance 

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Symptom control in adults with advanced liver disease BASL guidance 

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Symptom control in adults with advanced liver disease - BASL Final (1)

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▶ Video 5: Heart failure and palliative care | Nursing Times

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This bitesize learning video will cover person-centred heart failure palliative care.

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Joe’s ReSPECT Journey – a ReSPECT explainer for healthcare professionals

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Why have a carer's assessment?

Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.

In Scotland, this is usually referred to as an adult carer support plan and in Wales, it is often called a carer's needs assessment. For ease of reference, we will use the term 'carer's assessment'.

See below for answers to common questions

Don't be put off by the word 'assessment' - it's certainly not a test of your abilities as a carer. It's a chance to let your local council or trust know how your caring responsibilities affect you physically and emotionally. They will use the assessment to find out what support you need, whether you're willing or able to carry on caring, what you want to achieve in your daily life and whether you qualify for help.

Most assessments are carried out face to face, although some local councils or trusts offer the option to have the assessment online or over the phone. It should be done at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Some local care centres will also carry out carers' assessments - it's worth checking with your local carers organisation.

If you're over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you're entitled to a carer's assessment. It doesn't matter how much or what sort of care you provide. For more details, see our 'Assessments' factsheets (
England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

A carer's assessment is different from a needs assessment, which is for the person you are caring for. You can have them both done at the same time if you want. You're entitled to a carer's assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needs assessment.

If you're under 18

If you're younger than 18, you can benefit from some extra support and have certain legal rights to help you.

You can request support from your local authority or local Health and Social Care Trust (in Northern Ireland).

We have more guidance on this page ' Support for young carers' and you can also contact Carers Trust who have specialist support services for younger carers in partnership with local charities. Find out more on their online page for younger carers.

Contact adult social services at your local council or trust (in Northern Ireland). If the person you care for lives in another area, contact their local council or trust instead (except in Wales, where you should still contact your own local council).

If you're a carer for your child, contact the children with disabilities department.

The assessment will last at least an hour. You can ask to have someone with you such as the person you care for, a friend or relative.

Collect all the relevant information you'll need: Things to think about beforehand

your NHS number

your GP's name, address and phone number details

your email address

contact details of anyone coming to the assessment with you

details of the person you care for including their name, address, date of birth and NHS number.

Make a list of the different ways you are providing support, such as offering emotional support, managing finances, helping someone with practical activities such as shopping, ensuring someone is safe from harm, or helping with personal needs such as using the bathroom.

Consider how caring affects your life. Does it leave enough time for you? Does it affect your emotional wellbeing - for example, do you often feel drained or lonely? Does it affect you physically - for example, do you lose sleep or get back ache from lifting someone regularly? Has it affected your work, social life or education?

If the person you care for will be present at the assessment, will you be able to speak freely about any difficulties you have?

The assessor will discuss how caring affects your life, including your physical, mental and emotional needs. They should cover:

your role as a carer

how you feel about caring

whether you're able or willing to carry on as a carer

your health

other caring responsibilities

what you enjoy doing in your free time

planning for emergencies.

Be honest and realistic about your caring role. If you put on a brave face or play down any difficulties, you could miss out on help and support.

Your local council or trust will work out whether your needs are eligible for support. If so, they will create a support plan for you. They might provide you with care and support directly, or provide it to the person you care for.

If you're not eligible for support, they must still give you information and advice on where you can go for help.

There are lots of different types of support you could be entitled to, including:

practical help with housework or gardening jobs

training to help you with your caring role, for example in moving and handling the person you care for

equipment or alterations to your home

emotional support such as counselling

breaks from caring, such as respite care for the person you care for

advice about benefits

support to improve your wellbeing, such as access to exercise classes, social activities or adult education.

Will I have to pay?
Councils are advised not to charge carers for support provided to them, but some will give you a financial assessment to work out what you can afford to pay. They should never charge for care and support provided for the person you care for. See our factsheet for more information about this ( England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

If you disagree with the decision following your assessment, there are ways to challenge it. See our guidance on making complaints
here.

Even if your council or trust claim they can't give you financial or practical support at the moment, they must still provide you with guidance and information to look after your health, welfare and overall wellbeing and to prevent you from developing support needs in the future.

If the person you are looking after is an adult and appears to have a need for support, they should be offered a needs authority by the adult social services team.

They can have an assessment no matter what their financial situation or level of need is. You can also be involved as their carer if they are happy with this option. See our 'Having a needs assessment' guidance for more information.

Our tips sheet may be helpful as a starting point if you are unsure where to start with regard to arranging a carer's assessment.

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Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.