Dead Easy: Rutland residents encouraged to think, talk and take steps

More than 60 people joined Dying Matters Rutland at the Rutland Showground for Dead Easy: A Practical Guide to the Inevitable, a free event designed to make planning for the end of life easier to understand and talk about.

Opening the event, DMR Patron and Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness encouraged people to take responsibility for planning ahead: to think about what matters to them, talk openly with the people close to them and take practical steps to make their wishes known.

The panel discussion, moderated by Rob Persani of Rutland and Stamford Sound, brought together local experts covering legal, financial, healthcare and funeral planning.

Solicitor Sally Cox of Cox & Key LLP discussed wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, while wealth manager Rob Humphrey explored the benefits of thinking ahead about financial affairs. Sammi Le Corre, Neighbourhood Health and Care Lead for Rutland, explained Advance Care Planning and ReSPECT plans, which can help ensure a person's preferences are understood if they are no longer able to speak for themselves.

Tom Johnson of E M Dorman Independent Family Funeral Directors spoke about funeral wishes and encouraged people to seek independent advice before buying funeral plans or making significant financial commitments.

One message came through strongly throughout the afternoon: planning does not have to be complicated. Starting a conversation, making a will, thinking about future care and keeping important information somewhere accessible can make an enormous difference to family and friends later.

The event also highlighted DMR's collaboration with AfterLoss, an online resource designed to help people organise important information and navigate the practical tasks surrounding a death.