SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith Ben Macpherson has lent his support to help improve the lives of people in Scotland living with terminal illness.
Meeting with representatives from Marie Curie recently, the charity supporting people through terminal illness, Ben 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 www.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 today in Holyrood Park, 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.
Ben Macpherson said: “I am pleased to support Marie Curie’s initiative to empower people when it comes to their end of life care and choices. As a society, we must work together to destigmatise death and dying.
“The ‘You Matter’ campaign is an example of the important work Marie Curie does to provide support services for people at what can be the hardest time of their life.
“In my work on the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee, I have long advocated for better support for people experiencing bereavement, and I brought an amendment to the Social Security Bill to make sure that Funeral Expenses Assistance is uprated in the years ahead.
“This important initiative from Marie Curie will work alongside the practical assistance that can be provided by Social Security Scotland to support individuals and families through their most difficult time.”
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
