Seacliff UC taking a lead in Death Literacy

By Jim Winn Convenor Uniting Conversations Working Group, Seacliff UC

Posted Feb 25, 2025 in Faith

Last year Seacliff UC sponsored its tenth Uniting Conversation ‘Preparing for Death’.  It was a remarkable evening attended by over 50 people. 

Judith Lowe, the Wellbeing Project Officer at the City of Onkaparinga, spoke about Advance Care Directives (ACD): what they are and why they are helpful and important.  Following on from this conversation, Max Howland, a member of the Seacliff congregation who has trained to conduct ACD workshops, ran a workshop for interested folk at Seacliff.

Dr Tim To, Director of Palliative Care, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network presented on Palliative Care.  He focussed on the purpose of palliative care, the criteria for admission into palliative care and the quality and compassion of the care offered patients.  He reminded us of that entry into palliative care is always designed to be a positive and supportive experience for the individual patient. 

Finally, Emily Pumpa, the Nursing Director, SA Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service, covered Voluntary Assisted Dying, (VAD).  Emily addressed many of the misconceptions people hold around VAD by explaining the protocols or procedures which need to be followed should an individual choose to take this path.  She also explained the criteria needing to be met should a person wish to seek VAD.  While it was obvious that not everyone is comfortable contemplating this option, the value of it to those who are able to use it became very apparent. 

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