What's on: Dying Matters Awareness Week

Monday 6th - Friday 10th May

HIoW Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust 'Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024'. The specialist palliative care team within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust are hosting 'Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024' webinars across the week for all staff. A wide range of topics will be covered including: talking about death and dying, future planning, cultural perspectives, and more. Find out more on the Trust website.

Tuesday 7th May

10am: Compassionate Conversations. A free awareness training session delivered by St Elizabeth Hospice. It is aimed at helping people (aged 18+) build the skills and confidence to enable open, honest and sensitive conversations around end of life, loss and bereavement, whilst identifying ways to help and support others. Find out more.

12pm: Your Digital Memories Matter. Have you thought about what will happen to your digital footprint? What do we mean by digital assets? This workshop will provide you with an understanding of what your digital legacy means, what your digital assets are, where to go for help and how to turn this into conversation with family and friends. Find out more.

Wednesday 8th May

1pm: Why Language Matters in Palliative Care - Webinar. A free session for healthcare professionals to explore what language we use and why it matters when supporting palliative patients. Learn about the public perception of palliative care, what language is used in palliative care and why it is important. This session is for all health and social care professionals who have discussions with or who are supporting palliative patients. Book your place.

7:30pm: Conversations about Dying, really do matter. An online discussion and raising awareness event regarding Advance Care Planning, and the reasons this is so important for everyone. Book your free place.  

Advance Care Plan day and 'Getting Your House in Order' conference. On the 8th May the first national Advance Care Planning day will take place in the United Kingdom. This day of action and awareness will highlight the importance of Advance Care Planning and encourage society to document, share and discuss their wishes. Explore how you can get involved on the Advance Care Plan Day website. Registration for the ‘Getting your House in Order, Advance Care Planning Conference’ is now open. This hybrid conference will take place with a live audience in Norwich and will be streamed live. You can also listen to the first two Advance Care Plan Day, ‘Getting Your House in Order’ podcasts now. Charitable organisations working within relevant fields are encouraged to be listed as a ‘supporter’ for this year’s national day of action and awareness. Find out more.                                    

Thursday 9th May

2pm: Never Say Die? So, how do I talk about death and dying? - Webinar. Everyone is welcome to this session, which will look at the language used to talk about death and dying, barriers that exist and ways to have conversations about end of life. This session is free and open to everyone. Book your place.                                

Tuesday 7th May

2:30pm: A cuppa and a chat, Northumberland. Tea, cake and the opportunity for patients to chat about death, dying and grief to health professionals in primary care including GPs, social prescribers, care coordinators and Macmillan nurses. Address: Railway Medical Group, Blyth Health Centre, Thoroton Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 1DX

6pm: Dead Good Film Club presents: Much Ado About Dying, Newcastle upon Tyne. A special screening of the documentary Much Ado About Dying, hosted by Dr Kathryn Mannix. Kathryn will be joined by the film’s director, Simon Chambers, for a very special Q&A. The Coffee Rooms will also be opening up for tea, cake and conversation as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week. Address: Tyneside Cinema, 10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6QG. Book your ticket.

Wednesday 8th May

10am - 3pm: Talk to us, Gateshead. An event hosted by the Gateshead Specialist Palliative Care Team, along with other local charities and care providers including the North East Ambulance Service. Staff will be available to talk to and ask questions. There will also be an opportunity to fill in a quick survey about the words used around death and dying. Drop by to chat and pick up some free goodies! Address: Gateshead MetroCentre Shopping Centre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG.      

Monday 13th May       

9:30am: Death Café, Teesside. Come along to the first Norton Library Death café. The café format is to create a safe space to discuss stories and wishes and to allow people to share their fears and thoughts over some tea and cake. Please note: This is not a counselling or bereavement session but a chance to raise awareness and allow people to make the most of their lives. Address: Norton Library, 87 High Street, Norton, Teesside, TS20 1AE.                                

Saturday 4th May 

9:30am: Open morning at GP surgery, Leyland. Informal opening morning at Worden Medical Centre, with the opportunity to speak with medical, nursing and social prescribing staff, as well as representatives from local hospice, bereavement support, carer support and other associated community groups. Address: Worden Medical Centre, Leyland, PR25 1HR

Tuesday 7th May

10:30am - 1:30am: Dying Matters - let's talk about it, Liverpool. Information stands will be set up across 3 hospitals in Liverpool - open to staff and the public. Resources will be available relating to Dying Matters, future care planning, local support services, Macmillan, chaplaincy, and organ donation. There will also be a poll asking people for their thoughts on the language used around death and dying. Address: Three different Liverpool University Hospitals. Post codes for each site: L9 7AL, L14 3LB, L7 8XP.   

Thursday 9th May

10:30am: Coffee Morning, Stockport. A coffee morning hosted by Mulligans Funeral Service to encourage conversations amongst families about their wishes for their funeral. The aim of this is to avoid the issues that come when families or individuals do not know the wishes of their loved ones. Experienced staff will also be on hand to answer any questions and provide information in a friendly and comfortable setting. Address: 29-31 Gorton Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 6AZ.                  

1pm: Love, Life & Death with St Mary's Hospice, Cumbria. An event with Pluto Productions, who will be performing the play 'Blue Skies' written by Brian Daniels. The play focuses on the importance of hospice care and open dialogue through the eyes of a young man confronted with the prospect of losing his mum. Following the performance St Mary's Hospice staff will be encouraging conversations around this subject in a relaxed and supportive space. Address: Forum Theatre, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HH. Find out more.

Saturday 11th May

Communication skills as part of Omega Course, Lancashire. The Omega course gives 18 hours of training about mortality, living life to the full, advance planning and skills to support bereaved and ill people better. A crucial part of this is confidence in talking about it all. To aid this, the course offers communication skills for social interaction with the opportunity of live practice in role play. People say that, though challenging, this is the best part of the course. Courses available in Leyland, Warwickshire and online. Choose either a modular course that spans 5 weeks or a  weekend course. Address: Leyland Lane, Leyland, PR25 1XB.                                     

Sunday 5th May

10:30am: York Death Cafe, York. Tea, coffee, cake and conversation around dying & death, to help make the most of our finite lives. Everyone welcome 18+, whatever knowledge, interest or belief. A welcoming, friendly and safe space to share your thoughts and ask questions about anything death & dying related. Address: The Black Swan, Peaseholme Green, York, YO1 7PR.

Wednesday 8th May

1pm: Professional Open Day, Scarborough. An open afternoon for professionals from all sectors who would like to find out more about the work of Saint Catherine's Hospice. The hospice offers specialist training and focused conversations about 'Preparing Well', including LPAs, wills, advance decisions, legacies and more. Address: Saint Catherine's Hospice, Throxenby Lane, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 5RE.                                    

Thursday 9th May

Dying Matters Coffee Morning, Sheffield. Coffee morning hosted by local funeral director, C&A Reed, to open the conversation about dying in a positive and constructive way. Address: Oriel House, 173 Duke Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S2 5QN.

Friday 10th May

Launch date for Going Gently, Harrogate. A course which covers subjects related to all stages of death and dying, including: planning for death, talking things through with your family, funeralplanning, wills, powers of attorney and advance decisions. Address: Harrogate Library, Harrogate, HG1 1EG.

Thursday 18th April

2pm - 2:45pm: Free writing workshop, Warwick. Join writer Sally Ballard in her free writing workshop. This will last around 30 - 45 minutes and held at Warwick Hospital’s John Turner Building, Room 2, and online via TEAMS. Address: Warwick Hospital (SWFT), Lakin Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 5BW. Book a place on the workshop.

Wednesday 1st May

12pm: Haiku and Three-Line Poetry Competition closing date, Warwick. Warwick Hospital’s Palliative Care team has launched a poetry competition to support Dying Matters week. To enter, write and submit a three-line poem or Haiku. Your poem should encapsulate some of the following themes: how we talk about dying, death, grief, regret, coping after death, celebrating life. If you need a prompt, ‘What Matters to Me?’  could be a 5-syllable starting line. The closing date for Poetry Competition entries is 12pm on Wednesday 1st May 2024. The submitted poems will be judged by writer, broadcaster, founder of Forward Poetry Prize and creator of the best-selling ‘Poetry Pharmacy’ books, William Sieghart. Poems, with your permission, will then be displayed, broadcast and recited as part of Dying Matters week. You can enter the competition online or pick up an entry form from Warwick Hospital, Warwick Myton Hospice, Central England Rehabilitation Unit, Stratford Hospital or Shakespeare Hospice. Address of the poetry display: Warwick Hospital (SWFT), Lakin Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 5BW. Enter the competition online. 

Friday 3rd May

10am: Death café coffee morning, Chapel-en-le-frith. Share a coffee with staff from Bythe House Hospice and have informal discussions with them about the language used around death, dying and grief. You can also get involved in some crafts themed around the 'elephant in the room'. Address: Blythe House Hospice, Chapel-en-le-frith, SK23 9TJ

Friday 3rd - Thursday 16th May

12pm: A Matter of Life and Death Festival, Birmingham and the West Midlands. A ground-breaking festival in Birmingham which brings together coffins and cakes, walks and wakes and authors with absent friends. Organised by community interest company BrumYODO, the festival takes place in venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands. This year’s festival hosts some regular events such as a tour of an undertakers, a Birmingham Catacombs walk, theatre pieces, an author event and numerous Death Cafes and In Memory events. And this year, new venues and contributors have joined the festival. There will also be an interfaith walk with talks from different faith groups about different rituals and practices in the aftermath of a death. The festival includes something for everyone and BrumYODO have done all they can to ensure as many as possible are free or low cost. Some need to be booked, some are simply drop-in. Address: Various across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Read full information, including booking details.      

Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th May

The Dead Good Death Festival, Coventry. A 3-day festival investigating the often taboo subject of death. From a play about loss and remembering called Tell it to The Bees on the Friday night, to Yoga for Grief and the Dead Good Death Café on the Sunday, there will be events everyone can take part in. Saturday will be filled with stalls, talks and events, all starting at 11am. There will also be opportunities to attend various workshops and talks. All of the talks are free, but Historic Coventry Trust welcome any donations. Come along and find out information in a relaxed space with likeminded people. Address: London Road Cemetery, London Road, Coventry, CV1 2JT. Find out more.

Tuesday 7th May

Dying Matters Week at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals. The End of Life care facilitators and Palliative care team will be holding a display board and table. These will be held at both sites of the hospital trust. They are also asking the wards to design their own End of Life trolleys for the chance to win a prize. Address: Worcestershire Royal Hospital Trust, Worcester, WR5 1DD.

10am: Dudley Community Specialist Palliative Care Team: Dying Matters 2024. The team will be raising awareness and answering questions about the way in which we talk about death and dying. The team is comprised of very experienced nurses who care for people in their own homes and care homes as the approach the end of life and empower them to make important decisions about their future care. Address: Cornbow Shopping Centre, Great Cornbow, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 4AB.

1pm: Poet William Sieghart visits Warwick Hospital, Warwick. The writer, broadcaster, founder of Forward Poetry Prize and creator of the best-selling ‘Poetry Pharmacy’ books, William Sieghart, will be visiting Warwick Hospital. This comes after his role judging the hospital's Haiku and Three-Line Poetry Competition. The winning poems from the competition will be on display for visitors to read. Address: Warwick Hospital (SWFT), Lakin Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 5BW. 

Wednesday 8th May

10am - 12pm: "Dying in the 21st Century": a public forum to celebrate ‘Dying Matters’ week, Leicester. The newly established ‘Deliberate Dying’ interdisciplinary group formed by researchers at the University of Leicester invites you to learn about their work. You'll also hear from Dr David Wenzel on the language we use to describe dying in modern times, followed by an open discussion. Address: University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 7RH. Learn more about the group.

1pm - 3pm: Planning Ahead workshop/drop in event, Sandwell. Dying Matters Awareness Week workshop/drop-in event. This is part of a series of events organised between 6 - 12 May across Sandwell. Discover the rest of the programme. Address: Oldbury Library, Freeth Street, West Midlands, B69 3DE. Find out more.

Wednesday 8th May - Friday 10th May

11am - 5pm: Dying matters at Coughton Court, Alcester. Visit Coughton Court during Dying Matters Awareness Week, where visitors can use wooden roundels made from the estate to leave a personalised message for a lost loved one. Displayed along our memorial walkway, visitors can hang their roundel leading into the Little Orchard where they then can take a moment to remember them. On the 15th of May, everyone that has personalised a roundel will be able to come and collect it from the memorial walkway as a keepsake to remember their lost loved one at home. Normal admission applies, see the Coughton Court webpage for more details. Address: Coughton Court - National Trust, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5JA.                                 

Thursday 9th May

Grief walk, Buxton. Take a walk around a beautiful park in Buxton. You are welcome to stop for a coffee and a chat afterwards. Address: Blythe House Hospice, Chapel-en-le-frith, SK23 9TJ

1:30 - 3pm: Dying Matters Coffee Afternoon, Bourne. A coffee afternoon with refreshments at Central Coop Funeral Home. Everybody welcome. Address: R J Scholes Funeral Service, Wherry's Lane, Bourne PE10 9HQ

Friday 10th May

Dying Matters Week, Leicester. University Hospitals in Leicester will be marking Dying Matters Awareness week, focusing on the theme ‘The way we talk about Dying Matters’. This includes the language that we use, and conversations we have, around death and dying – specifically between healthcare professionals and patients, their carers and their families. Address: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5WW. 

Monday 13th May

11am: Dying Matters awareness coffee morning, Northamptonshire. A drop-in coffee morning for local people to come to Lakelands Hospice and ask for advice, answers to questions etc. Hoping to break down the barriers around death and dying. Address: Lakelands Hospice, Butland Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN18 8LX.

Friday 26th April

11am: Dying Matters theatre workshop for local residents, London. A friendly and creative series of workshops led by Chickenshed Theatre, North London Hospice and Haringey Council Supported Living. Through stories, music and movement we will be working towards helpful and supportive ways to talk about death and dying with the people important to us. These workshops invite people to explore the language and conversations we have around death and dying with our families, carers, friends and healthcare professionals. Address: Harmony Hall, Bigbury Close, North Tottenham, London, Haringey, N17 8JQ.

Thursday 2nd May

9am: Dying Matters - Never Too Young To Start Talking, Norwich. Meet over 30 local charities and organisations at this information-rich event ahead of Dying Matters Week. There will also be talks taking place in the auditorium. Address: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, East of England, NR2 1TF. Find out more.

Friday 3rd May

11am: Dying Matters theatre workshop for local residents, London. One of a friendly and creative series of workshops led by Chickenshed Theatre, North London Hospice and Haringey Council Supported Living. Through stories, music and movement we will be working towards helpful and supportive ways to talk about death and dying with the people important to us. These workshops invite people to explore the language and conversations we have around death and dying with our families, carers, friends and healthcare professionals. Address: Harmony Hall, Bigbury Close, North Tottenham, London, Haringey, N17 8JQ.

Saturday 4th May

1pm: Doing death differently, Brighton. A workshop to explore how we can improve society’s support for dying and grieving people, and make change together. All welcome. Address: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 1AF.

Monday 6th May

10am: Dying Matters Week, Brighton. The palliative care team based in the Royal Sussex County Hospital plan to have a stall and display in the foyer of the hospital highlighting the importance of talking about advance care planning, future care, LPA, wills and starting conversations. The team will also put information in the hospital library aimed at medical staff who may not be very experienced about how to start these conversations. Address: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5BE.    

Tuesday 7th May

10am: The Departure Lounge, Norfolk. A pop-up installation on the theme of an airport departure lounge, aimed at encouraging accessible public conversation about death and dying. Provides information, opportunities to write last postcards, conversation and refreshments. Organised and run as a collaboration between The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House and Marie Curie. Address: The Place, 23 New Conduit Street, Vancouver Quarter, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE301DE.

2pm: Good Grief Gathering Afternoon Tea, Hertfordshire. Isabel Hospice is hosting an afternoon, welcoming anyone who has experienced grief or for anyone wanting to understand how to support someone who is grieving. This afternoon will allow time to explore, learn and share with others our experience of grief.  It will delve into the language used around grief and how important it is. Afternoon tea is provided and the session is free of charge. Address: Ware Priory, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9AL. Find out more.                                 

6:30pm: Brighton Death Café. Time and space to come together and talk about your thoughts and feelings around death and dying. The Death Cafe's aim is to increase awareness of death and to break down taboos around discussing it. The event is free with hot drinks and cake available. Address: The Modern Funeral, 19 Station Road, Brighton, BN1 6SF. Find out more.

7pm: Death Café, St Albans. A free and safe space to talk about death, dying and loss. Address: 5b Verulam Road, St Albans, AL3 4DA. Book your place.                                       

Wednesday 8th May                                    

8:30am - 4:30pm: ‘Getting your house in order’ 35th Palliative Care Conference, Norfolk. A free palliative care conference focused on Advance Care Planning. A wealth of fantastic speakers will be hosting topical sessions and celebrating 'Advance Care Planning Day', which falls on the same date as the conference. Attendees will also be able to learn more about the upcoming UK Tour with Dr Sammy Winemaker and Dr Hsien Seow, which aims to promote Advance Care Planning through amplifying the messages in their podcast "Waiting Room Revolution" as well as their book. Address: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY. Book your free place. 

'Getting your house in order' at Pilgrim's Hospices, East Kent. The above conference will be streamed live across Pilgrims Hospices' three sites in East Kent - a great learning and networking experience. In-person attendees will receive complimentary refreshments and lunch. Site post codes: CT2 8HQ, TN24 0NE, CT9 4AD. Email the team to reserve your place.

9am: Death, Dying and all that Jazz, Middlesex. A palliative update conference aimed at all who support people towards the end of life. A range of diverse topics will be covered, e.g. how to support children facing loss, top tips on symptoms, supporting family carers and an update on assisted dying! The cost is £30 for the day including lunch and yummy biscuits! Address: Michael Sobell Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2RN. Find out more.                              

10am: This is your life...plan it, enjoy it!, Hampshire. Community event hosted by Oakhaven Wellbeing, part of Oakhaven Hospice. Everyone is welcome to come along and explore the market stalls of local information; estate and funeral planners, celebrants, ways to remember our loved ones. There will also be inspiring and creative workshops that will give people the opportunity to explore the language of Dying Matters and how important it is to share our stories with each other. Address: Sway Place, Church Lane , Sway, New Forest , Hampshire, SO41 6AD. Find out more.

11am - 3pm: Dying for a Cuppa, London. A free event covering Advance Care/End of Life Planning and the opportunity to talk about Death, Dying and Bereavement. Enjoy a free tea or coffee and chat to members of the Future Matters team about topics including Advance Care Plans, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Funeral Planning. No booking is necessary to this event. Address: Islington Green Park, Upper Street/Essex Road, London, N1 1NR. Find out more.                        

6pm: The Last Taboo, Beccles. Why do some many of us struggle to talk about death and dying? The evening will begin with a conversation between the facilitator and Rebekah Domer, an end of life doula. This will be followed by an opportunity for discussion and sharing in a structured and supportive setting. Address: Beccles Library, Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9TB.

6pm: Talk & Tour with Royal Trinity Hospice, London. Interested in knowing more about Trinity and hospices in general? Join this free open house evening to learn a little bit more about what they do. You'll have the opportunity to meet members of our clinical and non-clinical teams and visit different areas of the hospice. You'll also hear about our work in the wider community and the difference we make in the lives of our patients and their families. Address: 30 Clapham Common North Side, London, SW4 0RN. Find out more.                                 

Thursday 9th May

9am: Nunn Hayward Inheritance Tax Planning Drop-in Clinic, Gerrards Cross. Free drop-in clinic hosted by accountants based in Gerrards Cross. Here, people can talk to experts about their future plans. A local Solicitor and Independent Financial Advisor will also be present to provide a full spectrum of advice on Inheritance Planning and protecting your estate. Drop by to find out how to do this in the most tax efficient way for your families in the future. Address: Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7AD. Find out more.

1pm: Regis Primary Care Network Dying Matters Awareness, Bognor Regis. A one hour presentation and question and answers with a local GP, community nurses, paramedic practitioner, hospice community nurse, solicitor, carers team and many others. All patients and carers welcome to join. Address: Flansham Park Health Centre, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 6DH. Find out more.                              

6pm: Power of Planning Ahead Café, London. A relaxed, informal and social practical session for anyone interested in finding out more about their options when making plans for when they die and afterwards. There will be plenty of opportunities to share hopes, expectations and ask questions over a glass of wine or soft drink with the support our "What matters to me" booklet. Address: Royal Trinity Hospice, 30 Clapham Common Northside, London, SW4 0RN. Find out more.

Friday 10th May

10am: Living Well, Dying Matters, Brentwood. Come and have the big conversations with us - advance care planning, the legalities you should know, how important is the language we use around death, dying and grief. Eight organisations are taking part including Saint Francis Hospice, the local authority, St. Thomas' Church, care homes, and funeral directors. Refreshments available 10am-1pm. Address: St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Thomas Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4DF.

11am: Dying Matters theatre workshop for local residents, London. One of a friendly and creative series of workshops led by Chickenshed Theatre, North London Hospice and Haringey Council Supported Living. Through stories, music and movement we will be working towards helpful and supportive ways to talk about death and dying with the people important to us. These workshops invite people to explore the language and conversations we have around death and dying with our families, carers, friends and healthcare professionals. Address: Harmony Hall, Bigbury Close, North Tottenham, London, Haringey, N17 8JQ.

Dying Matters hospital stall, Southend. A stall will be run within the hospital to raise awareness surround Dying Matters. It will be supported by palliative care staff, chaplains, and the bereavement team. There will also be various activities at the stall, such as question time, ribbons for loved ones on a remembrance tree, cakes, mortuary tours and more. Address: Southend hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Southend, Essex, SS0 0RY.

1:30pm: Death Café, Surrey. Encouraging thoughtful conversations around death, dying & bereavement over coffee & cake. The café is free and open to all to speak freely and without judgement. There is no set agenda, just a facilitated discussion following the interest of those attending. Email Oxted Library if you're interested in attending. Address: Oxted Library, 14 Gresham Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0BQ. Find out more.                          

Saturday 11th May

10:30am: Reading Crematorium Open Day, Reading. Tour the backstage where the cremations take place. Ask all the questions you may have about cremation, funerals and burial. Explore the tranquil gardens and sit on the crematorium's Afterlife bench. Address: Reading Crematorium, 55 All Hallows Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5LP. Book your place.        

11:30: A singing workshop by Companion Voices, Brighton. Companion Voices are singers who gather together to learn songs to sing at the bedsides of people who are dying. Songs are drawn from different traditions to create a soundscape to accompany people as they take their leave of life. ‘My experience of learning to be a Companion has been profoundly rewarding and satisfying’ - Kay. Reserve your place at the workshop.

2pm: Author talk by Corinna Edwards-Colledge, Brighton. Author Corinna Edwards-Colledge reads excerpts from about her novella ‘The Door that shouldn’t have been there’. Her novella is a modern fairy tale about grief, hope and recovery for everyone who has lost a loved one. The readings will be followed by a Q & A and a discussion about grief and creativity with visual artist Wendy Pye. Books will be available to purchase at the event. Address: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE. Book your place.  

3:30pm: Dead Good Film Screening, Brighton. A film showing of Dead Good, an intimate portrait of those dealing with their dead.  No booking required. Dame Emma Thompson said about the film: ‘Beautifully crafted, so comforting as well as moving….everyone should see this’. Address: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE. Find out more.                                  

Tuesday 14th May

Dying matters in Tower Hamlets, London. A variety of awareness-raising and engagement events for health and care professionals, and local residents in Tower Hamlets. Please check social media for further information (@NHS_NELondon - X/Twitter account). Address: In accessible community locations across Tower Hamlets, London (more details to be shared via social media).

Wednesday 15th May

3pm - 4:30pm: LGBTQ+ Death Café, Brighton. Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is hosting a free LGBTQ+ Death Café, which will be held at a wheelchair accessible café in Hove. This is a space to talk about death with other LGBTQ+ people. Topics discussed may include: grief, funeral planning, end of life care, specific issues our community may face and more. Cake and hot drinks will be provided free of charge. Please note: this group is open to the Switchboard's Older People's, Bereavement and Dementia services too, so attendees may approach the topic of death in different ways. Places are limited so please email the team to confirm your free place. Address: Modelo Lounge, Hove, BN3 2AE. Book your place.                              

Saturday 18th May

10am: Death Café, Oxfordshire. Part of a series of four café style talks to give people a safe space to learn and talk about dying. This month the group will be talking about medical matters and our speakers will be a GP and a hospice volunteer. Address: St John's Church hall, 6 Burford Road, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18.   

Friday 24th May

11am: Dying Matters theatre workshop for local residents, London. One of a friendly and creative series of workshops led by Chickenshed Theatre, North London Hospice and Haringey Council Supported Living. Through stories, music and movement we will be working towards helpful and supportive ways to talk about death and dying with the people important to us. These workshops invite people to explore the language and conversations we have around death and dying with our families, carers, friends and healthcare professionals. Address: Harmony Hall, Bigbury Close, North Tottenham, London, Haringey, N17 8JQ.

Tuesday 30th July

'And Death Shall Have No Dominion', London. An art exhibition with paintings inspired by personal death experiences. Address: Fitzrovia, London W1T 9PN. Find out more.                                        

Thursday 2nd May

12pm: Chew Valley Death Café. Death café hosted on the first Thursday of every month. Address: Bishop Sutton Community Library, Bishop Sutton, Somerset, BS39 5UU.

7pm: The Nettle Dress - film screening, Southampton. This screening of The Nettle Dress, supported by Dead Good Days, aims to encourage people to be more open about the topic of death, dying and loss. This gentle documentary takes you through Allan's quest to painstakingly make the titular nettle dress himself, following the death of his wife - from picking the nettles, spinning, weaving, cutting and sewing to the finished article. The film offers a time to think and talk about personal bereavements. Address: October Books, 189, Portswood Rd, Southampton Hants, SO17 2NF. Tickets available here. 

Friday 3rd May

7.30pm: Death - A Romantic Comedy, Southampton. Death - A Romantic Comedy is the new show from comic, poet and psych nurse Rob Gee. Address: Gods House Tower, Town Quay Rd, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 2NY. Find out more & tickets

Saturday 4th May

12pm: Free exhibition: Dead Green, Southampton. If you try to live Green, why not die green? Come and join Barbie and Play Dead to find out about the ecological cost of funerals and how to avoid paying the environmental price of dying in this entertaining exhibition with activities for all ages. Address: Gods House Tower, Town Quay Road, Southampton SO14 2NY                                

Monday 6th - Friday 10th May

Dying Matters Awareness Week at St Monica Trust, Avon. This event takes place throughout the week, exploring a different perspective on the theme each day. It also brings together good practice relating to end of life care. The event is delivered digitally across all care homes and domiciliary care locations using an online platform. Address: St Monica Trust, Sandford Station, Avon, BS25 5AA

Monday 6th - Sunday 12th May

1pm - 4pm: Open Studio, Dorset. Visit Angie McLachlan's studio to learn about mortality and care of the body with The Ichabodies - death dummies that allow people to approach the subject of death and dying in a non-funeral setting. Address: Workshop 6 - The Victoria Building, Lerret Road, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1GB.

Tuesday 7th May

10:30am - 12:30pm: How to plan your funeral, Bristol. The friendly team at Divine Ceremony in Bristol will be holding a workshop to help people begin these thought processes and conversations around funeral planning. This two hour workshop will go through some of the main points to consider, including how you would like to be cared for, if you would like to be buried or cremated, and what type of coffin you would like among others. You can book tickets and find more information on Eventbrite. Places are limited, so please book in advance. Tickets are £25 per person. If you have any questions, please email the Divine Ceremony team or call 0117 9049786. Address: The Sanctuary, Divine Ceremony, 2 Zetland Road, Bristol, BS6 7AE. Book your place.                                      

12pm: Dying matters pop up cafe, Southampton. This pop up café is being held to get people together to talk about dying. There will be free tea, coffee and biscuits as well as some stalls available with information related to the topic. It aims to create a safe space for conversations to take place. Address: University Hospital Southampton Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD.

7pm: Suicide Bereavement & Support, Southampton. What language to use regarding suicide, how to support someone or get support following a bereavement, some myths, facts and complications and the long term effects. Address: Edmund Kell Church, Bellevue Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2AY. Find out more                     

Thursday 9th May

12pm: Good Life; Good Death, Plymouth. An afternoon for the local community to come and talk to The Durnford Society about death and dying and what this means to them. The event hopes to start conversations using processes such as Advance Care Planning and resources for people with Learning Disabilities or Autism. Address: 165 North Prospect Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 2ND.

6:30pm: Into the Quiet, Southampton. Join artist and vet, Sarah Filmer, to draw small dead wild creatures. This is a workshop for anyone who would like to be in the presence of these beautiful bodies, and consider how we can re-engage with our own mortality by taking close notice of a body without its life. No drawing experience or skill is required. Basic paper, ink and some drawing boards will be available to use, but feel free to bring your own materials if you wish. Address: Arch 4 Captains Pl, Southampton, Hants, SO14 3FE. Find out more.

7pm - 9pm: North Bristol Death Café, Bristol. A monthly safe space to reclaim the conversation about death and dying - and inevitably - living. Open to anyone with any questions, thoughts or specific issues around death and dying. It's always a free evening, including the tea and cake! Address: Divine Ceremony, 2 Zetland Road, Bristol, BS6 7AE. Contact Ruth, Dee or Isabel on 0117 904 9786 to find out more.

Saturday 11th May

11:30: A singing workshop by Companion Voices, Brighton. Companion Voices are singers who gather together to learn songs to sing at the bedsides of people who are dying. Songs are drawn from different traditions to create a soundscape to accompany people as they take their leave of life. ‘My experience of learning to be a Companion has been profoundly rewarding and satisfying’ - Kay. Reserve your place at the workshop.

2pm: Author talk by Corinna Edwards-Colledge, Brighton. Author Corinna Edwards-Colledge reads excerpts from about her novella ‘The Door that shouldn’t have been there’. Her novella is a modern fairy tale about grief, hope and recovery for everyone who has lost a loved one. The readings will be followed by a Q & A and a discussion about grief and creativity with visual artist Wendy Pye. Books will be available to purchase at the event. Address: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE. Book your place.

3:30pm: Dead Good Film Screening, Brighton. A film showing of Dead Good, an intimate portrait of those dealing with their dead.  No booking required. Dame Emma Thompson has said of the film: ‘Beautifully crafted, so comforting as well as moving….everyone should see this’. Address: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton    East Sussex, BN1 1GE.

Sunday 12th May

12pm: Human Writes - A Death Row Story, Southampton. Short film screening. This film tells the story of Maggie Alder, who writes to prisoners on Death Row. One of these prisoners was Karl, who she visited multiple times, including to attend his execution. The screening will be followed by an hour of general discussion, with Maggie, around her own experience of  befriending someone on Death Row. 'Human Writes' is a UK based organization coordinating penpals for prisoners on Death Row in the USA. Address: Friends Meeting House, 1A Ordnance Rd, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2AZ. Tickets available here.

Tuesday 14th May

10am: Planning Ahead drop in café, Torquay. The education team at Rowcroft Hospice are offering a pop up table and comfy chair to chat about all manner of 'Planning for Your Future' topics for anyone interested. The team will be there over coffee and lunch - come and say hello! If interested, but can't attend, take a look at Rowcroft Hospice's fantastic 24 hr online information hub to learn more about planning for your future. Location: Ella's café Lounge 25 Walnut Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6HP.                         

Saturday 18th May

11am: A Dead Good Day Out, Southampton. Plenty of family friendly hands on activities, in a welcoming and creative space. Address: St Denys Church & Centre, Dundee Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 2ND. Find out more

Based in Scotland? Check out Demystifying Death Week run by Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief. 

Demystifying Death Week takes place across Scotland at the same time as Dying Matters Awareness Week (6-12 May).