About this Death Cafe

Laura-Jane Smith , Louise de Winter, Anna Lyons and David Blackwell at Join hostsandat The Menier Gallery to discuss all matters of death, dying, life and living over tea and cake in beautiful and art-filled surroundings. Death Cafes provide an opportunity 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives' and we believe these discussions are creative acts which can enhance wellbeing.

Death Cafes are group directed discussions of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. They are discussion groups rather than grief support or counselling sessions. They are generally life-affirming events, but sensitive discussions are of course possible so please bear this in mind .

Everyone is welcome, but please book a ticket in advance as there is limited space and we expect high demand. The Menier Gallery are kindly donating their beautiful space for this event and we will be providing tea and cake. The gallery is managed by the charity ' Paintings in Hospitals ' and to thank them we are asking attendees for a £5 donation which will support their work, using art and creativity to reduce sickness, anxiety and stress in UK healthcare facilities. If this cost is a barrier concessions are available - please contact us directly.

Please note that there is no disabled access to the lower ground floor of the building. If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user please contact us in advance to discuss access.

This event is part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week , run by the London Arts in Health Forum , which aims to develop the role of culture in wellbeing and to promote and support arts in health activity across London and nationally. We feel that using creative methods to engage with death and dying can lead to greater wellbeing and are excited to be part of the week of activities!



About LJ, Louise, Anna and David

Laura-Jane Smith is a respiratory doctor and researcher who blogs about "life, death and some stuff in between". She believes that talking about death and dying outside healthcare settings is essential to improve end of life and bereavement care.

Louise de Winter is a funeral planner and celebrant who is passionate about creating meaningful funerals that are relevant, helping those left behind acknowledge and accept the death of someone they love. She has hosted death cafes all over the country - and the world!

Anna Lyons is an end of life doula, helping those who are living with dying. Her experiences have shown her that people want and need to talk about dying, but they just don't know how.

David Blackwell is the creator of Speak Freely, founder of Love Freely and co-runs Shoreditch's public living-room 'Ziferblat'. He is passionate about innovating new ways to create social change.



Contact the organiser of this Death Cafe