good life, good death, good grief

Scottish Compassionate Communities Toolkit

To Absent Friends

Does your community want to be more supportive to people experiencing bereavement? You could consider putting on a community event as part in the To Absent Friends Festival.

To Absent Friends is a Scotland-wide festival of storytelling and remembrance that takes place from 1-7 November each year. It was established to give people across Scotland an excuse to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people they love who have died.

"For a few days each year we should give ourselves the license to talk about our memories of those who have died. Share photo albums with your grandchildren. Invite your friends round to try your granny’s favourite recipe. Light a candle for the child you lost."

To Absent Friends exists to encourage participation. It is non-prescriptive – groups and individuals are encouraged to take part in whatever manner they feel is appropriate.

To Absent Friends encompassess all kinds of events, including:

  • žpublic events, open to all.
  • žcommunity events, run by organisations for their own members and invitees.
  • žprivate events, held by individuals, families and groups of friends.

More information about the rationale behind the establishment of the festival, and the benefits of involvement is available here: To Absent Friends - Rationale

Visit the To Absent Friends website for more information about the festival and how to put on a local event.

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