Demystifying Death Week 2025
Taking place across Scotland from 5-11 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.
It Takes A Village exhibition - Mitchell Library
Organised by Glasgow Life
5-11 May
Mitchell Library, Glasgow
This event is open to the public.
There is an old African proverb –‘It takes a village to raise a child – meaning, children need the input and support of their whole community to grow into well-rounded adults. But doesn’t it also ‘take a village’ to support someone who is dying?
The Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care has worked with award-winning Glasgow based photographer, Colin Gray, to produce this powerful and challenging series of portraits and personal stories. It Takes a Village explores the idea that as people’s health deteriorates, care and support comes in many guises.
This exhibition will be on display at the Mitchell Library for the public to view during Demystifying Death Week.
Photo credit: Colin Gray
It Takes A Village exhibition - Ayrshire Hospice
Organised by Ayrshire Hospice
5-11 May
Ayrshire Hospice
This exhibition is for the Ayrshire Hospice community.
There is an old African proverb –‘It takes a village to raise a child – meaning, children need the input and support of their whole community to grow into well-rounded adults. But doesn’t it also ‘take a village’ to support someone who is dying?
The Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care has worked with award-winning Glasgow based photographer, Colin Gray, to produce this powerful and challenging series of portraits and personal stories. It Takes a Village explores the idea that as people’s health deteriorates, care and support comes in many guises.
Ayrshire Hospice will be showing this powerful exhibition of portraits during Demystifying Death Week.
Photo credit: Colin Gray
Grief Tending
Organised by Grief Tending in Scotland
Saturday 10th May, 10-12.30pm
Salisbury Centre Garden, 2 Salisbury road Edinburgh EH16 5AB
This activity is open to the public and made possible by donations that pay forward.
For this morning session we’ll be in the garden; around the fire for check-ins. We’ll give our presence and attention to any and all layers of grief that arise in the day. To help us frame our scope, we’ll use the ‘Five Gates of Grief’ that Francis Weller describes in his book ‘The Wild Edge of Sorrow’ - Francis Weller on Grief (2013) You don’t need to have read the book to take part.
What to bring:
- Suitable clothing for being outside for two & half hours during the morning
- An object or picture that for you has connection with grief
Facilitated by Douglas Guest (experienced men’s group and grief tending leader), Maeve Butler (educator and grief worker), and Robin Botley (facilitator and Elder with the Mankind Project).
For more information and/or to book your place, email douglas_guest@yahoo.co.uk.
Evening Meditation and Discussion
Organised by North Berwick Coastal Community Connections
Saturday 10 May, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
West Beach, North Berwick
This activity is open to the public. Please book in advance.
Meditation and gong workshop followed by a discussion around the topic of demystifying death, bringing the day to a close.
If you would like to attend any of these events, please email admin@nbc-communityconnections.org.
Exploring Conversations with Phillipa Ramsden
Organised by North Berwick Coastal Community Connections
Saturday 10 May, 2pm - 4pm
Hope Rooms, North Berwick
This activity is open to the public. Please book in advance.
Phillipa helps us explore ways to encourage us all to become more comfortable in discussing end of life issues.
If you would like to attend any of these events, please email admin@nbc-communityconnections.org.
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