News
New film launched for Demystifying Death Week
“Do you know someone with a serious illness that won’t get better?” is a new film, launched to mark Demystifying Death Week 2026.
The new film aims to explain to members of the public what palliative care is, and why it might be useful.
We’re keen to find out what people think of the film so we can improve it. Please help us by filling in a quick 5 minute feedback survey here: Feedback on new short film “Do you know someone with an illness that won’t get better?’.
New resources for workplaces - Bereavement Charter Mark case studies
The Bereavement Charter Mark Process has been designed to be accessible and achievable, and workplaces can work towards the various criteria independently.
Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care (SPPC) wanted to know more about the different approaches that might be taken to this process, what challenges or obstacles a workplace might face and what they found helpful.
In 2025 they launched their Pilot Support Scheme. SPPC worked with three different workplaces to look more closely at the journey towards achieving the Charter Mark, offering bespoke support while learning about the kind of successes and challenges different workplaces might have along the way.
All three workplaces were awarded the Bereavement Charter Mark for Workplaces, and collaborated with SPPC to produce a case study detailing their process. Read more about the journeys of Simba Charity, a ward at St John’s Hospital, and Media Education here: Bereavement Charter Mark for Workplaces: Pilot Support Scheme | Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief
Photo: SJHITU was awarded the Bereavement Charter for Workplaces in August 2025
Bereavement Charter: Manifesto for Scottish Parliament Elections
The Bereavement Charter Manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections 2026 outlines steps for the next Scottish Government to improve experiences of bereavement in Scotland.
The Manifesto highlights that bereavement is associated with increased use of health and social care services, reduced workplace productivity, and greater risk of mental and physical ill-health.
It points out that compassionate bereavement support has far-reaching positive impacts on society, yet the support available to those who are grieving remains inconsistent and, too often, inadequate.
The Manifesto urges the next Scottish Government to:
- appoint a bereavement lead
- financially support expansion of the bereavement charter marks for schools and workplaces
- co-produce a national bereavement strategy with stakeholders
- prioritise succession rights in the housing bill
Access the full manifesto or watch a short summary film here: Manifesto for the Scottish Parliament Elections
What is Public Health Palliative Care?
At Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief we adopt a public health approach to palliative care. But what does that mean? Check out the film above for a short introduction.
Get ready for To Absent Friends 2025
Join us in September for a free interactive workshop to explore some practical ways of holding space for remembrance activities.
The event is designed for people who would like to organise an event as part of To Absent Friends 2025.
Delegates will explore some potential ways of creating space for meaningful conversations and participate in three different activities:
- Reminiscence Café
- Art Workshop
- To Absent Friends Supper
Together, participants will have opportunities to reflect on how they might bring one of these activities into their own community.
Find out more and book a place here: To Absent Friends | Creating Connection: A workshop on hosting remembrance events
Looking for inspiration?
We welcome new events as part of the To Absent Friends festival. If you’d like to get involved check out the information and resources here: Get involved in the TAF festival 2025
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