Friends at the End (FATE) provides support and advocacy for end-of-life choices. Our services give people the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their own lives and deaths. They are:
Advance Care Planning
What is an Advance Care Plan?
An Advance Care Plan (in Scotland, often called a Future Care Plan) is a record of your wishes and preferences for future treatment and care, for a time when you may be unable to communicate them yourself. This plan can include:
- Preferred treatment options
- Specific medical interventions you do or do not want
- Personal values and wishes regarding end-of-life care
- Who you would like to be involved in decisions about your care
Why have an Advance Care Plan?
Creating an Advance Care Plan helps make sure your preferences are known and taken into account, even when you cannot communicate them yourself. It can ease the burden on family members at a difficult time, and helps healthcare providers make decisions in line with your values.
Our team can support you in writing your Advance Care Plan, so that your wishes are clearly recorded.
Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney
In addition to Advance Care Plans, we assist with other forward planning tools such as Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney. They do different things, and carry different weight:
- An advance directive records treatments you would refuse. Advance directives aren’t legally binding in Scotland, but the people treating you must take your wishes into account, and a clear refusal of a specific treatment, made while you had capacity, carries a lot of weight.
- A statement of your wishes about your care is taken into account by anyone making decisions for you, but doesn’t oblige them to give a particular treatment.
- A welfare power of attorney is a legal document that, once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions about your health and care if you can’t.
We can explain the process, and help you make your directive clear and specific.
Free Counselling Service
We offer a free counselling service, by referral, for people at the end of life and their families. Our trained counsellor can help with the emotional side of facing the end of life and with making informed decisions.
Advocacy and Campaigning
The Biggest Civil Liberties Issue of Our Time
Assisted dying is still illegal in the UK, but it is a legal option for over 400 million people worldwide. We believe that everyone should have the right to make choices about their own life and death, and we campaign for the legalisation of assisted dying in the UK. Join us in advocating for this civil liberty and help us build a more compassionate society.
Community and Support Groups
We run local groups throughout Scotland for like-minded individuals. These groups are a place to share experiences and discuss end-of-life choices. If you want to meet others who share your views, you are welcome to join your local group.
Public Events and Engagement
Our charity organises public events for members and participates in political and other events. These events aim to educate supporters and bring them together around the cause of end-of-life choice. See our upcoming events, and join us to have your say.
Expert Advice and Information
Our Board of Trustees comprises medics, lawyers, and other professionals who are available to provide advice and information. They can advise on legal, medical and practical questions about end-of-life planning.
Additional Services
- We offer workshops on topics related to end-of-life care, legal rights, and personal planning.
- Our website has articles, guides and FAQs.
- Our regular newsletter carries news and stories from our community and campaigns.
We can help with planning and refer you for counselling, and you can join our campaign for everyone to have the right to compassionate end-of-life choices.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website.