Our work with Marie Curie

Thanks to our Marie Curie funding, we’re able to develop and carry out research that changes the lives of those affected by death, dying, and bereavement for the better.

Public Attitudes to death and dying in the UK (PADDUK)

Commissioned by Marie Curie, our PADDUK (Public Attitudes to Death and Dying in the UK) studies, conducted in 2021 and 2023, surveyed UK adults to explore public perceptions of death, dying, and end-of-life care. The 2023 survey, which surveyed 10,500 members of the public, built on the 2021 findings and enriched our understanding of attitudes and support needs at the end of life.

Key findings from the 2023 survey

Effective pain relief

Effective pain relief and symptom control was people’s most important priority for the last days of life (38%). This was closely followed by the need for dignity and self-respect at the end of life (36%).

Support with physical needs

Support with physical needs was most commonly selected among people’s priority needs at the end of life (54%), followed by timely access to care (45%), and the need for privacy (43%).

Involvement in decision making

Emotional support and being able to have a say in decision-making around one’s care become key priorities at the end of life (33%).

Being at home

Most people would prefer to die at home (56%) and many also indicated a desire to be in loved one's company (29%).

Conversations about death and dying

More than half (59%) felt that, as a society, we do not talk about death and dying enough but only one in seven people (14%) had talked to someone about their care wishes for the end of life.

Expressing care preferences

Four out of five people (82%) agreed that expressing care preferences is important. Nevertheless, 42% said that they could not anticipate what they would or would not want in the future.

Inclusion in the national curriculum

Nearly half (45%) agreed with including age-appropriate grief education in the curriculum for older primary school children (eight years and older) while two-thirds (67%) supported this for secondary school children.

PADDUK 2023

Public attitudes to death, dying and, bereavement in the UK re-visited: 2023 survey.

Read the summary report here

Supporting young carers and young adult carers at the end of life and into bereavement: a mixed-methods study investigating support needs and practices.

This mixed method study combines focus groups with (bereaved) young carers/ adult young carers and health and social care professionals who support young carers and a scoping online survey for organisations/ services/ professionals providing to support to identify best practice, challenges and innovations to improve support.

Financial Insecurities at End of Life

This project, led by University College London (UCL) started in January 2024. It aims to scope and explore availability and uptake of financial support grants (local authority and voluntary sector) for people at the end of life in England and Wales.