Get to Know Us
So what is a death café anyway?
At a Death Cafe, people drink tea, eat cake and discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives.
A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
Death Cafes are always offered:
On a not for profit basis
In an accessible, respectful and confidential space
With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action
Alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake!
commitment is to provide a safe space for sharing, listening, learning, and supporting each other.
Do I have to talk?
No! Some people come to death cafe to talk, some come for support and some come just to listen. All those options are absolutely fine.
You will never be forced to join in with discussions at the death cafe - and if you really don't want to be included then have a chat with the facilitator when you arrive and they will make sure you are comfortable.
Death Café - that's a horrible name!
We know lots of people are uncomfortable with the name Death Cafe. But sometimes it's good to be a little uncomfortable. The idea of a death cafe is to encourage open communication about death, dying, bereavement and grief, and this is a topic that always makes people feel wary, but that's why we're here - to make it more normal and to stop it feeling uncomfortable!
Is this a course? Do I need to sign up?
Not at all. While Death Cafe runs on a monthly basis, you are free to come along to as many or as few sessions as you like. You don't even need to stay for the full 2 hours, just drop in and out as you like, you'll be made to feel very welcome.
How much does it cost?
Death Cafe is always free to attend. Some of our cafes offer free refreshments to attendees, others will have their standard food and drink range available. As our venues are kindly letting us use their facilities free of charge, we ask that wherever possible you try to purchase a drink and perhaps some cake from them instead of bringing your own with you.