The Cost of Dying
Published: 20 November 2023
Research insight, Story
An exhibition that shares research findings on experiences of dying at home for people facing financial hardship and deprivation in Scotland has been on shown at the Scottish Parliament, after being on display at sites around Glasgow.
By 2040, up to 10,000 more people will be dying with end-of-life support needs in Scotland, and at least two-thirds will be dying in community settings such as care homes and hospices.
'The Cost of Dying' public exhibition is based on the four year Dying in the Margins study led lead by Dr Naomi Richards, Director of the Glasgow End of Life Studies Group based at the School of Social and Enviromental Sustainability (formerly the School of Interdisciplinary Studies) with support from Marie Curie.
The 'Dying in the Margins' study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).
This longitudinal study used participatory visual methods, specifically photovoice and digital storytelling, to enable participants to tell their own story in their own words and images. It is the first time an exhibition on this particular subject has been displayed in the UK.
In addition, award-winning Scottish documentary photographer Margaret Mitchell was commissioned to create a body of work reflecting on participants’ stories and emotions.
Originally on display at the University of Glasgow’s ARC building in May 2023, the exhibition moved to Glasgow’s Mitchell Library in August, and was on display to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in November.
Paul O'Kane MSP sponsored a member's business debate on the findings from the study on Thursday 16th November 2023 and asked for the Health Minister to consider the recommendations stemming from the study.
More about the 'Dying in the Margins' study
Photo credit: Margaret Mitchell
First published: 20 November 2023