Agewell’s work on death literacy recognised in major international publication on compassionate communities

(L-R) Anne Bell, Chair of Agewell, Ivy Goddard of Mid & East Antrim Inter Ethnic Forum, Jenny Marshall of Agewell

Northern Ireland’s approach to helping people talk more openly about death, dying and bereavement has received international recognition after Agewell’s work was featured in a major new global publication exploring compassionate communities.

The organisation has contributed to Compassionate Communities in Action: Global Stories of Care, Loss and Connection, a newly launched book bringing together examples from around the world of communities finding new ways to support people through illness, caregiving, grief and loss.

For Agewell, the inclusion represents recognition not only of its own work, but of a wider effort across Northern Ireland to build confidence and understanding around conversations that many people still find difficult to have.

Northern Ireland experience shared with global audience

Edited by Emma Hodges and Manjula Patel, the publication showcases practical examples and lessons from compassionate cities and communities internationally, highlighting initiatives that are changing the way people experience care, loss, dying and bereavement.

Designed as a resource for practitioners, policymakers, academics and community leaders, the book explores successful models for building stronger and more supportive communities.

Representing Northern Ireland, Jenny Marshall of Agewell authored a chapter examining the organisation’s work in developing what is known as “death literacy” across local communities.

The chapter outlines how Agewell has encouraged open and honest discussions around death, dying, loss and bereavement, helping individuals and families become better prepared for experiences that affect every community but are often avoided in conversation.

Building confidence around difficult conversations

Death literacy refers to the knowledge and skills that allow people to understand and access end-of-life care options and make informed decisions around death and bereavement.

Through workshops, community engagement initiatives and partnership working, Agewell has sought to improve awareness and preparedness while encouraging communities to support one another through some of life’s most challenging moments.

The organisation believes increasing understanding around end-of-life issues can reduce fear and uncertainty while helping people navigate difficult decisions with greater confidence.

Jenny Marshall, Northern Ireland Representative and Chapter Author for Compassionate Communities in Action: Global Stories of Care, Loss and Connection

Jenny Marshall said:

“We are delighted to contribute to this important international publication and to share Northern Ireland’s experience of developing death literacy within communities.

“Our work has demonstrated that when people are given the opportunity and support to talk openly about death and dying, they become better equipped to support themselves, their families and their neighbours through some of life’s most challenging experiences.

“Authoring a chapter in this publication has been a particularly meaningful achievement for me, as this is a cause close to my heart.

“It is an honour to see Agewell’s work recognised alongside compassionate community initiatives from across the globe.”

Inclusive communities at the heart of the work

The book explores how schools, workplaces, arts organisations, health and social care services and civic society can all play a role in creating more compassionate environments for people experiencing serious illness, caring responsibilities, grief and bereavement.

Among the projects highlighted is the Mars Bar & Apple Sandwiches initiative, which involved the Mid & East Antrim Inter Ethnic Forum and focused on creating opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to share experiences and perspectives surrounding death and loss.

Ivy Goddard from Mid & East Antrim Inter Ethnic Forum said:

“We were delighted to be part of the Mars Bars & Apple Sandwiches project, which created opportunities for people from different cultures to share experiences of death, dying and bereavement.

“Its inclusion in this publication highlights the importance of inclusive and compassionate communities here in Northern Ireland and in a worldwide context.”

Growing recognition for compassionate communities

By sharing its experiences and learning, Agewell hopes the chapter will provide practical guidance for organisations and communities looking to strengthen death literacy and develop more compassionate approaches to care, connection and support.

The publication is now available internationally and is aimed at those working in palliative and end-of-life care, alongside researchers, students and policymakers interested in community-led wellbeing initiatives.

For Northern Ireland, its inclusion offers recognition that local ideas and community-led approaches are helping shape an increasingly important international conversation about how societies support people through death, dying and bereavement.