Demystifying Death Week 2024
Taking place across Scotland from 6-12 May, Demystifying Death Week is about shining a light on death, dying and bereavement in Scotland. We are encouraging people to get involved by holding in-person and online events that bring death, dying and bereavement into the limelight.
Below is a list of events registered so far - these pages will be updated over the coming weeks. If you are organising an event that you'd like us to feature, please get in touch.
"Much Ado About Dying" Screening and Discussion - Skye Community Cinema
In partnership with Cosmic Cat Films, Good Death, Good Grief, Skye Community Cinema and Befrienders Skye and Lochalsh Service
5th May 2024, 5.00-8.00pm
Braes Community Hall, 4 Lower Ollach Portree IV51 9LJ
This event is open to the public.
On 5th May, Skye Community Cinema are teaming up with Cosmic Cat Films and Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief to screen the new film "Much Ado About Dying" in honour of Demystifying Death Week. This screening will include an in-person Q&A with Jo Ford from Befrienders Skye and Lochalsh service.
The film is a gloriously eccentric and thought-provoking look at what it means to live. The award-winning documentary follows long-retired actor David Newlyn Gale, living in an unsuitable flat, sustaining himself on cans of soup, keeping himself warm with a small army of electric heaters and battling a mice infestation with toothpaste. The film presents an intimate, occasionally funny and ultimately moving portrait of a solitary life and a quietly critical assessment of the inadequate resources available in the UK for a rapidly ageing population.
A partnership between Cinema For All, Cosmic Cat Films and Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief will bring the new film to community cinemas across Scotland during Demystifying Death Week. From Tiree to Findhorn, remote and rural cinemas across Scotland are holding discussion screenings of the new film.
Book your tickets here.
A full list of screenings is available here.
It’s always good to have a plan!
Organised by Nairn Citizen's Advice Bureau
Thursday 2nd May 2024, 9:30 - 3:00
Nairn CAB Hub, 6 High Street, Nairn IV12 4DN
This event is open to the public. Please register in advance.
Planning for death when you’re healthy means there is less to think about if you get sick
As part of Demystifying Death Week, Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau is offering a day of free information on the practical, legal, financial and medical arrangements you can make for illness and death. Free lunch included.
NO ENTRY CHARGE but you need to pre-book a space and let us know if you have dietary considerations. Phone: 01667 456677 or email: bureau@nairncab.casonline.org.uk.
- Doors open 9.15 tea/coffee on arrival
- 9:30 – 10:00 Dr Adrian Baker setting the scene – problems when people do not have Power of Attorney
- 10:00- 11:30 Deborah Baillie: What to think about when drawing up Power of Attorney & Wills
- Quick refill of tea/coffee
- 11:30 – 12:00 Deborah Baillie: Advanced Directives and Anticipatory Care Planning
- 12:00 – 12:40 light lunch provided
- 12:40 – 1:40 Callum Ross – funerals: what’s possible and what’s affordable
- 1:40 - 2:10 Rev Steven Manders & Celebrant Halde Potinger – talking about death
- 2:10 – 2:40 Pamela Muir, Cruse, on counselling options
- 2:40 Wrap up
Meetup
Organised by the Fairweather Drop inn Centre
2nd May 2024
East Renfrewshire
This event is open to the Centre's community.
The Fairweather Drop inn Centre is a meeting place for ethnic minority people who are 50+ in the local area to get together for talks, yoga, and refreshments.
This session will be dedicated to opening up the conversation around death, dying and planning ahead. Jenny Watt of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: Planning Your Care will be on hand for a short talk and Q&A, and resources will be available to take away.
Photo credit: Cyril Saulnier via Unsplash
Death Cafe (in person)
In partnership with Finn’s Place and Battlefield Community Project.
Thursday 2nd May 2024, 7.30pm – 9.00pm.
Finns Place, 167 Ledard Rd, Glasgow G42 9QU
This event is open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Let’s break the taboo, and talk about Death! This event is an informal space to talk with others about something which affects us all. Anyone and everyone can come along, whether you are currently processing the loss of someone, facing your own mortality, or just find the topic really interesting there is a place for you here.
Please note that this is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
More information: https://deathcafe.com/deathcafe/19126/
There is no need to register.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Heart of Newhaven Death Cafe
Organised by Heart of Newhaven Death Cafe
Saturday 27th April, 10am-12pm
Heart of Newhaven, 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4HY
This event is open to the public
A Death Cafe is a safe space to talk about all aspects of death and dying and to help to reclaim death as part of life.
There is no agenda. We talk about what you want to bring. Death Cafe facilitators Bob Parker and Meg Elphee are members of End of Life Doula UK.
Find out more at the Death Cafe website here.
If you have questions or you'd like to book a place, contact Bob at bobcparker51@gmail.com.
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