Christina McKelvie MSP has lent her support to help improve the lives of people in Scotland living with terminal illness.
Meeting with representatives from Marie Curie, the terminal illness charity recently, Christina was interested to hear about efforts to encourage people to think about their wishes for the end of their life and discuss preferences with loved ones.
The charity has published a free information resource to support conversations called ‘You Matter’, available to download from mariecurie.org.uk/youmatter
Marie Curie believes that starting with a simple conversation over cake and a cuppa can help tackle the stigma that exists around dying, death and bereavement.
Coinciding with their fundraising campaign Blooming Great Tea Party this month Marie Curie is encouraging people to ask friends, colleagues and family round for a tea party, bake sale or ‘Bake off’ style competition. Every donation raised at events help Marie Curie provide vital care and support to people living with terminal illness.
Last year there were over 600 Blooming Great Tea Party events in Scotland raising over £86,000, equating to over 4,300 hours of Marie Curie Nursing care.
Christina McKelvie MSP said:
“Marie Curie are the leading experts in providing sensitive, empathetic and tailored support for end of life care.
“Their ‘You Matter’ resource is a really important document which can help unlock those difficult and painful discussions regarding end of life preferences.
“It can start with something as simple as a conversation. Words can change the world, and by opening up to loved ones or professionals, we can all ensure everyone matters and that everyone has their wishes respected during their end of life care”.
Susan Lowes, Marie Curie Policy & Public Affairs Manager Scotland said:
“Sadly one in four people in Scotland aren’t getting the care they need at the end of their lives. By encouraging people to start with a simple conversation about their wishes we hope that we can empower everyone to play their part in improving end of life care.
There’s only one chance to get this right at the end of someone’s life, and everyone matters in making that a reality.”
To find out more about Blooming Great Tea Party and receive your free fundraising pack, call 0800 716 146 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty
Free Marie Curie Support and Information is available for anyone with questions about terminal illness. Contact 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support