Description
Compassion in Dying is a British charity that helps people plan their care at the end of life, with free living will (advance decision) forms, guidance on lasting power of attorney and a free nurse-led information line.
It was founded in 2008 by Dignity in Dying and is a registered charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. The two organisations are legally separate, with their own boards and finances, but share a chief executive, an office and some staff; Compassion in Dying supports a change in the law on assisted dying in principle but doesn’t campaign for it. The free living will pack can be downloaded as a PDF, filled in online with an account, or sent by post, and the charity says no solicitor is needed. For a health and welfare lasting power of attorney it gives guidance and points to GOV.UK, noting that registering one costs £92 with the Office of the Public Guardian.
The information line, 0800 999 2434, is free and staffed by nurses, from Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 3 pm. The charity also publishes research on end-of-life care; recent blog posts are dated August 2026. The 2025 annual report is linked on the site.
Strengths
- The living will forms are free and come with explanations, so a solicitor isn’t needed.
- A free nurse-led phone line answers questions about advance decisions and attorneys.
- It explains the official routes and costs, such as the £92 fee to register a lasting power of attorney.
Weaknesses
- The information line is open only four days a week, from 11 am to 3 pm.
- It shares its chief executive, office and staff with Dignity in Dying, a campaign group for assisted dying.
- Filling in the form online needs an account.
Who it is for
Adults in England and Wales who want to record their wishes about medical treatment, especially older people and people with a serious illness, without paying for legal help.
Sources
- Compassion in Dying: home, living will (advance decision), lasting power of attorney, contact us, shared history with Dignity in Dying, annual reports (checked November 2026)