Newham Council has launched a digital platform to support residents in their ‘end of life’ planning.
It has deployed a local version of MyWishes, which can be used to document and share future care and end of life choices.
It enables people to state their preferences for health and social care and document what they would like to happen with their physical property and digital assets.
Other features include documenting funeral wishes, writing or recording a self-authored obituary, and leaving goodbye messages to family and friends. When users have completed the task they can print the documents and email them to loved ones, their GP and anyone who might be involved in their care in the future.
The council said the platform is free to use and has the support of a number of charities in the borough.
Taboo subject
Newham’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, Cllr Neil Wilson, said: “Death remains a taboo subject in society, meaning that many people are uncomfortable with or unsure about discussing what will happen with their affairs after they pass.
“This platform will make it far easier for Newham residents to make plans in advance and will relieve much of the stress and difficulty faced by loved ones following a bereavement.”
