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We are pleased to announce the four successful projects to receive funding from the Dying Matters Community Grants programme in 2022.

About the Dying Matters Community Grants Programme

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Supported by end-of-life services provider, Dignity, the Dying Matters Community Grants Programme funds innovative and creative projects with the aim of starting conversations about death, dying and grief, with communities that we know are least likely to have received such support.

At Dying Matters we believe that by starting the conversation, and breaking down taboos, we can work towards a society that is better equipped to support people through these life changing, but inevitable, experiences. The arts, in all its forms, can play a vital role in creating spaces where these conversations can flourish. 

These grants put trust in groups to start conversations in the way that feels best for their community - conversations which can happen in a variety of everyday settings and not only in clinical environments.

Kate Davidson, Chief Executive Officer at Dignity, said:

“I believe it’s crucial we take the time to talk with our loved ones about death, bereavement and our end-of-life wishes. However, I fully understand that people may find these conversations difficult or sensitive.

At Dignity our core purpose is to help our clients say goodbye, to remember and celebrate the lives of the loved ones they have lost. We also support the communities in which we serve to help inform and educate them about all the end-of-life options available. That’s why I’m delighted we can support Dying Matters and encourage local groups to find such original and inspiring ways to initiate those discussions.”

Successful projects in 2022

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Four projects were selected by the judging panel to receive grants from a total of over 130 applications. From the development of new tools to help people talk about death, to one off comedy nights – the successful projects vary greatly but all demonstrate innovative and creative ways of approaching the subject. 

The external judging panel, chaired by Dying Matters Chair Simon Blake, were Gemma Allen, (Palliative Care Inclusion expert), Mark-Ashley Dupé (DJ and LGBTQ+ community organiser), Jane Ide OBE (ACEVO CEO), and Mike Miller (Trustee at Naomi House Children's Hospice and Hospice UK).

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Three images, each image is of a different group of people, participating in an event
BRiGHTBLACK is a 2022 grant recipient