Let’s Talk about Death

 

by Susan Hofforth

 

“Come in, sit down, have a cup of tea and some cake and let’s talk about dying.” If this sounds like a great invitation, come to Whitecourt’s first Death Cafe on February 27 at 7:00 p.m., held at The Orchard Cafe, and get involved in a discussion that we don’t get to have very much in our society.

 

Generally, we don’t talk a lot with each other about death. It’s an awkward subject, but everyone has questions, and all it takes to get into the discussion is willing participants, a safe place and someone to get the conversation started and to keep it moving.

 

Since they were started in 2011 in England, Death Cafes have been held in 52 countries, establishing that there are a lot of people very ready to have a conversation about this aspect of the unknown. The objective of the Death Café “is to discuss death without expectations and increase awareness of death by helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” The Death Cafe is a free discussion group that offers an open, respectful, and confidential space where people can express their views safely.  There is no agenda, or theme. But there is cake and tea.

 

This evening is being offered in Whitecourt on February 27 at the Orchard Cafe, 5024-51st Ave. It is not intended to be a grief support group, or a counselling session, according to the website. Death Cafes are non-profit, and are held in a respectful, confidential space and have no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action. Interesting conversations are guaranteed!

 

For more information, contact Kim Nendsa, Alberta Health Services at 780-778-5400 ext. 227.