Claire Wells: We take a person-centred approach

Claire Wells, Spiritual Support Lead & Chaplain at Hospice in the Weald, answers our Dying Matters Awareness Week questions, which focus on this year’s theme: ‘The culture of dying matters’.

How does the Hospice support patients and families from different cultural or faith backgrounds?

We take a person-centred approach – listening to what matters most to each patient and their family. That includes understanding their cultural, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. It may include reference to a personal faith or a non-faith stance.

Our team is trained in cultural awareness and unconscious bias, and we tailor care plans around beliefs, traditions, routines, rituals, beliefs about acceptable treatment and care that are important to the person. We also offer interpreters, spiritual care, and spaces for remembrance and ceremony to ensure every person feels seen, respected, and supported.

Are there similarities between cultures when it comes to death?

Yes—while beliefs and rituals differ, many cultures share values like the importance of family, identity, purpose, connection, community and hope. Celebrating light, nature, and life’s cycles and seasons often brings people together and fosters mutual understanding.

Do people grieve differently across cultures? How does the Hospice support that?

Yes – some cultures encourage private grief, others value open expression through larger gatherings. We make space for all of it – whether that’s a quiet room, support for large family visits, or adapting care to respect other cultural grieving practices.

How do you help people process grief?

We support both emotional and cultural aspects of mourning. The Hospice offers counselling, and our team supports those who may need support thinking about a funeral, we are aware of traditions like Shiva – the supportive gathering of the Jewish culture;  Islamic burial rites; Hindu cremation rituals, or African storytelling and singing. Most of all, we listen – because sharing stories often helps healing begin.

How do you talk about death with someone who isn’t comfortable discussing it?

With patience and compassion. We listen, use open-ended questions, and respect their beliefs without offering our own agenda. Involving spiritual or cultural leaders can help, as can focusing on values like dignity, peace, acceptance. Sometimes, people just need time to reflect before continuing the conversation.

Why is it important to talk about dying and grief, even if it’s hard?

Because naming the uncomfortable helps reduce fear. It opens space for trust, emotional expression, and healing.

If you could share one message during Dying Matters Awareness Week, what would it be?

Seek to understand – there’s more that unites us than divides us.