Life is a gift, precious, to be savoured and enjoyed
Chiltern Compass aims to support the local community in talking about dying and end of life planning. We’re based in Amersham and Chesham, offering support across the Chilterns.
It’s easy to put off planning for later life, and many people find it daunting or fearful. Talking about dying does not bring it any closer, but taking practical steps can help alleviate feelings of burden and uncertainty and allow you to live life more fully. We can help provide a direction that suits you.
Where and how do I start?
Remember it’s what matters to you that’s important, this should be your guiding star. A useful start is to see our guidance questions.
We’ve developed a workbook called ‘My End of Life Plans’, a useful resource to help crystallise your thoughts and plans. We also run workshops, (currently online for community groups) where we are able to help you more directly.
One of the most loving things you can do
Having that conversation can be one of the most loving things you can do for those close to you.
Dr Jo Withers is a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and volunteers with Virtual Doctors.
Watch her TED talk on YouTube – ‘We Need to Talk about Dying’.
Talking about dying frees you to live life in the present and to the full. Enjoying the sights and experiences along the path you travel. A burden is lifted, your vision is clearer, your love more intense.
News and press
Your bucket list
Having prepared for dying, we must also live the rest of our lives in as happy and fulfilling way as we can, be the time short or long. Extend your life by healthy living: eat well, take regular exercise, enjoy the company of others, take alcohol moderately, stimulate and use your brain and memory by reading, doing puzzles and learning something new, maybe take a trip if you can. Even if you are disabled you will still be able to do many of these things.
