Laois people asked to share their end-of-life experiences for new project

People in Laois who are nearing the end of their life have been asked to contribute to the Irish Hospice Foundation's (IHF) new project to learn more about people’s end-of-life experiences.

The IHF is looking for participants to take part in a research project that will examine and communicate their end-of-life experiences through photographs.

Over 600 people died in Laois last year and this initiative aims to combine photography and storytelling to give a voice to those near the end of their life. The project hopes to gain a greater understanding of these experiences in order to better respond to people’s needs through health and social care services.

People who are in their last 12 to 18 months of life are invited to take photos of objects, symbols, or scenes that hold meaning for them at this stage of life. Each participant will also have the chance to speak to researchers and explain the meaning behind the pictures they take.

“This Photovoice study is being undertaken to better understand the experiences of people who are nearing the end of life,” said Sara Leitão, Director of Research & Policy, IHF.

“Research that includes the voice of individuals at the end of life is rare. That means we are missing the voices, views and experiences of people who are themselves going through the end-of-life journey.

“There are no rights or wrongs, you can choose whatever you like to take photos of, these might be images of something positive such as a supporting pet, or negative.” said Leitão.

She insisted that despite what people may assume, from the IHF’s experience, many people going through this do in fact want to share their experiences.

READ NEXT: Laois village to get high speed internet as new mast on GAA grounds approved

People interested in the project will speak to a member of the IHF team who will talk through what is involved and answer any questions. If they would like to proceed, they then meet a team member who will provide all the guidance needed to take part.

The IHF has assured that their team has a lot of experience with having such sensitive conversations with people regarding this period in their life and they are trained to guide them through the project.

Ms Leitão said: “Once we receive these photos the team member will meet the participant and discuss these and the meaning they hold. This will bring additional insight on the personal meaning and relevance of these photos to add further to the story they tell about end-of-life experiences.”

The photographs will be curated in an exhibition to take a place in community galleries and exhibition spaces. The exhibition will be launched early next year in Dublin and then it will be brought to several counties across the country.

Photographs and related quotations included will be completely anonymised before they are shared publicly.

“These photos and stories may help open up conversations in society about end of life, making it easier for others to talk about and understand these experiences,” said Leitão.

“These photos may also help identify gaps in support and care. By seeing these images, understanding the unique experiences behind them and witnessing the stories they represent, meaningful conversations about life, death, dying and bereavement will be promoted,” said Leitão.

“This will be a unique opportunity to normalise discussions on these, often feared or avoided, topics and reduce stigma.”