Psychologist launches end-of-life guides with NHS Trust
Mireille Hayden, a specialist in holistic end-of-life care, began writing the resources after her partner was diagnosed with leukaemia
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Health psychologist Mireille Hayden, in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust and Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust, have officially launched two new guides offering practical support for end-of-life planning and bereavement.
The free booklets – Guide to End-of-Life Planning and When Someone Dies – are designed for members of the public and healthcare professionals to help people manage the practical and emotional challenges that come with dying and loss.
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Hayden, a specialist in holistic end-of-life care, began writing the resources after her partner, retired lawyer and psychotherapist Colin, was diagnosed with leukaemia. His diagnosis came just two weeks after Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust approached her to produce a set of guides to support people facing death.
The couple had been together for 18 months when Colin fell ill. Following months of intensive treatment, including a stem cell transplant, he is now recovering and remains immune-compromised but stable.
Hayden said: “I remember us sitting on the sofa on a call with a consultant. Because of my profession, I’m used to end-of-life conversations, so I asked, ‘What happens if we do nothing?’ And he said, ‘Then Colin has three months to live.’
“A large part of writing the booklets was making them digestible and not overwhelming. I wanted it to be bite-sized, with diagrams to explain the big legal stuff. I encourage people to take things a step at a time and just do what is manageable.”
The Guide to End-of-Life Planning helps people record care preferences, legal arrangements and practical wishes to ease the burden on loved ones. When Someone Dies outlines the immediate administrative and emotional steps families will need to take following a death.
Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust, which manages around 100 acres of land in South Gloucestershire for public use and conservation, said end-of-life planning was a key part of its work. The charity encourages open discussion about death and aims to support people in making plans before the time comes.
