Dickson Marks ‘Dying Matters’ Week 2018

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, marked Marie Curie’s ‘Dying Matters Week’ with the charity’s policy seminar discussing funeral poverty.

Mr Dickson, alongside delegates from other organisations, attended a policy seminar on Monday the 14th of May where several questions on the issue of funeral poverty were discussed.

Speaking after the seminar, Mr Dickson remarked: “It’s great to see that, even with the Assembly being suspended, important conversations such as this are still taking place. The issue of Funeral Poverty needs to be addressed as it brings stress and hardship to those who are already having to grieve for a loved one.

“The new Funeral Poverty Charter states that everyone in Northern Ireland should have the right to a dignified funeral without being left in debt, and for clear information about funeral costs and affordable funeral costs to be available no matter where they live. This is a step in the right direction, but more work needs to be done to ensure that grieving families in Northern Ireland do not have to be concerned about debt.”

Mr Dickson concluded: “I hope that all of the goals set out in the Charter are achieved soon, and that no-one else becomes a victim of funeral poverty.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Noel Williams on 028 9335 0286 or at noel.williams@party.niassembly.gov.uk