Sibling Summer Work Experience 2016

Hi, I am Thomas McKindley, and I’m Rachael’s younger brother. For the past two weeks, I’ve been on my work experience with The Bucket Project. The aim of the project is to make death easier to talk about, which I think is important.
 
Before working with The Bucket Project, I was already quite open to talking about death and the afterlife. My sister and I often have interesting conversations about the afterlife - do we just stop existing? Do we reincarnate? Is there a Heaven and Hell? Do we become ghosts? I’ve always wondered and been fascinated by what happens after death.

Image taken from Spirituality, Dreams and Prophecy

I know most people are scared about death and want to avoid it; I don’t want to die either. If it was an option, I’d rather become a vampire and live forever. But that’s not going to happen. We need to be able to talk about death and dying and know how to deal with it. It’ll happen to us all eventually so we shouldn’t be worried about discussing it.

I’ve helped out with redesigning the ‘Before I Die I Want To…’ postcards which I found very interesting. This is really positive and encourages people to become more motivated to do something before they die, like maybe climb a mountain, do something charitable, travel around the world, see some wild animals or try something you never normally would. Before I die I want to visit Harry Potter world and become a real wizard.

Image from The Bucket Project

I have enjoyed my time with The Bucket Project and believe in the work they do. I think more people should start thinking about death in a positive way and not be afraid to talk about the topic of death.

Meet the Owls

Day 1 of Dying Matters Week - 9th May 2016

Today we attended a Meet the Owls session, organised by Sunflowers Cancer Support, where we also hosted an information stand. Hack Back CIC were the wonderful group who brought their three mesmerising owls; Murray (Burrowing Owl), Idris (African Spotted Eagle Owl) and Mango (Barn Owl), pictured below.

Seven people attended and we all enjoyed watching the owls flutter across the room, landing on the arms of those lucky enough to be wearing the special glove. We had some interesting conversations about Day of the Dead and remembering lost loved ones. One attendee had lost four close family members in the past three years, yet was able to freely discuss death and share happy memories of those that had gone before him and he credited this to an open and supportive family.

We’re hoping to collect some of your personal stories throughout this week, and beyond. Tomorrow will see us at Siren with an open table displaying our new promotional items, Topic of Death Cards, newsletters and practical guide and a story board to collate your experiences. If you can’t make any events this week, but would like to share your story, please email rachael.mcmeacock@mariecurie.org.uk

Hack Back CIC run a number of programmes for carers, people suffering with depression /anxiety, children, young people, adults and families with conditions within autistic spectrum disorders and cancer patients and survivors.

These programmes are aimed at giving people an exciting and enjoyable experience which will have a positive impact on well-being, self-esteem and confidence. The programmes integrate brief solution focussed therapy with green therapy and interaction with the birds.

Here are some more pictures from today:

 

Sunflowers provide advice and guidance services, counselling, alternative therapies and group support sessions in a welcoming and safe environment. Their service is confidential, free and led by a team of professionals.

The Sunflowers team are experienced in the emotions and practical support needed following a cancer diagnosis. Quite often, their support is nothing more than a listening ear in their informal ‘drop in’ centre.

They are passionate about helping others affected by a diagnosis of cancer and their shared experiences help to build a strong community in the fight against cancer. This is particularly important in Merseyside with the highest incidence of cancer in the UK.