Kingston Death Cafe

Talking about death and dying helps to demystify it, so the whole issue becomes less scary. And, as the ancient philosophers knew, reflecting on our mortality and the impermanence of everything allows us to make more of life.  Death Cafe is an international movement with the simple but powerful aim of bringing strangers together to talk about death. At a death cafe, people discuss any aspect of death and dying they wish to raise – we've covered subjects including funerals from different cultures (Viking burials come up a lot!), assisted dying, wills, living funerals, the strangeness of grief and what it would be like not to die at all. The conversation is led by those who come along and you can contribute to the chat as much or as little as you like. We don't give advice or try to reach conclusions - we simply listen and discuss, with respect for each other's views. You'll probably find coming to a death cafe is more uplifting than you may expect - there's often a lot of laughter (and, yes - sometimes a few tears).

Kingston Death Cafe is free to attend but please bring donations for the venue. 

This death cafe is run by Charlotte Haigh, a freelance funeral director, celebrant and end-of-life guide. She's also a co-founder/director of the venue, Kingston Hive, a community climate hub, and feels there is a connection between our culture's death avoidance and our struggles to take action on the twin climate and nature crises.    

Please note: a death cafe isn't bereavement support. If you're facing bereavement or you've recently lost someone, a frank discussion about death may not be what you need right now. Feel free to contact Charlotte via her website if you have any questions.