A new three-year project launches in Somerset this month to encourage and support people to have important conversations about death and dying. The 'Somerset Talk About Project' will see volunteers help people think about and discuss "what's important to me" when it comes to the end of life.

Specially trained Marie Curie Companions will arrange two or three meetings, in person, by video call or on the phone, where they will guide people and their loved ones through a sensitively thought out programme of questions and conversations, to help them put together a plan for their end-of-life care and share their end of life wishes.

Wendy, from Somerset, is sharing her heart-warming story to highlight the importance of planning and preparing for the end of life, regardless of your age or current health. When Wendy's mum died in 2009, she inherited an unusual family heirloom – a pair of tortoises. Now, Wendy is teaching her daughter Olivia how to look after the cheeky duo, knowing that she too is likely to inherit them one day.

Wendy said: "Planning for what will happen if or when you become ill, need care or die doesn't have to be a morbid affair, but it is vitally important. Having a clear plan for what will happen is a gift you can give your family. You should of course have a Will, organise power of attorney, make important decisions about your care and share your funeral wishes – but don't forget your pets!

"My mother's generation weren't the best at talking about death and dying, but one thing my mum did do was to make sure I knew how to look after Shelly and Torty. Well, that was their original names, mum died whilst they were in hibernation and when they came out, I couldn't remember which was which, so I renamed them Annie and Grace, my mum's middle names.

"We never know how long we will be around for, I hope to be around for some time yet, but I've made sure my affairs are in order, and that includes my daughter Olivia knowing how to take care of Annie and Grace.

"It is quite a responsibility to care for tortoises. They need the correct housing, diet and specialist veterinary care if necessary, and then there is the hibernation process. A secure location is essential too – they are well-known for being escape artists, and Annie and Grace are no exceptions! Hibernation day has become a lovely family tradition of ours. When circumstances allow, my daughter and granddaughters Sophie and Emma come down and we do it all together.

"It's great to see a service like the Somerset Talk About Project launching locally. Dealing with bereavement or knowing what to do when a close family member is dying or becomes seriously ill and needs care can be tough. By planning ahead, making your wishes known and a care plan can make things so much easier for those looking after you and those left behind."

The new service will be delivered by Marie Curie in partnership with Somerset CCG, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital and is targeted to support over 4000 people in its first three years.

In the first year, the focus for the service will be on Taunton, West Somerset and surrounding areas including Bridgwater, Chard, Langport and Ilminster, North Sedgemoor and Wellington/Tone Valley and will then be rolled out across the county in year two and three.

Up-front funding comes in the form of a social impact bond from the End of Life Care Integrator and the National Lottery Community Fund's Commissioning Better Outcomes programme. If the project meets agreed outcomes after the first year, Somerset CCG will pay back the cost of the up-front social impact investment.

Julia Bearne is Community Engagement and Development Manager for Marie Curie in Wales and Southern England and has been a driving force behind the new project. Julia said: "It is incredibly important for families to have these important conversations, share their wishes and be prepared so that they have the best chance of a good end of life experience for themselves and those they leave behind. Not making any preparations can cause unnecessary upset, both for us and the people around us.

"The Somerset Talk About Project will guide patients and their families through the process of creating an advance care plan, with the aim of normalising the conversation about what is important to them, including about their care at end of life."

If you live in Taunton, West Somerset or the surrounding area and would like to find out more about the Somerset Talk About Project, please call 0800 3047 412, email [email protected] or speak to your GP.