A HOSPICE will hold an event which aims to make the difficult subject of dying easier to face.

The Butterwick Hospice, on Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, will hold an open day on Saturday (Saturday, May 18) from 10am to 4pm as part of the national Dying Matters Week.

Professionals from many fields will offer advice and information about the wide range of services available to help them plan for death.

There will be advice on organ donation and a solicitors’ firm will discuss registering a death, making wills and other legal matters.

Macmillan nurses will discuss care planning including decisions about resuscitation and a bereavement practitioner will give a presentation about how people choose to say their farewells.

Funeral directors will give advice on planning and paying for a funeral and a representative of Wear Valley Cremation will attend.

Visitors can also find out about stress relieving therapies such as laughter yoga, mindfulness meditation and drama and music therapy.

Juliet Wilson, head of family support at the hospice, said: "People don't enjoy talking about death but it is helpful, particularly to your loved ones who can then ensure your wishes are carried out."