A new advance care planning process has been launched across Powys, with events in Machynlleth and Llanidloes, as part of Byw Nawr Dying Matters Week.

The theme of the campaign, held between 13 and 19 May, was ‘Are We Ready?’, and looked at the practical and emotional steps people need to take to be ready for the end of their lives.

Powys Teaching Health Board used Byw Nawr Dying Matters Week to launch My Life My Wishes, a document designed to give people the chance to explore and express their wishes for their future care.

People that engage with advance care planning often achieve better quality of life and are more likely to die in a place of their choosing, the health board said.

Planning ahead can also make life much easier for grieving loved ones.

Rhiannon Jones, director of nursing for Powys Teaching Health Board, officially launched the document from in Llandrindod Wells, with launches also taking place in Llanidloes and Machynlleth.

Events were held at Chatwood in Llanidloes on Saturday, 11 May, and at Machynlleth Market on Wednesday, 15 May, as well as at a coffee morning at Graham Davies Ward, Llanidloes Hospital, and at the Leg Club at Y Fan Institute.

Ms Jones said: “Advance care planning has been shown to improve outcomes for patients and their families. This document will help our staff provide person centred care across all the communities of Powys.”

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now