Its a year ago today that we held our first Death Cafe in my basement. Though this was a tremendous and energising experience I couldn't have imagined what would happen over the next 12 months.
Since then we've held another 24 Death Cafes in areas as diverse as cool cafes, a yurt and the Royal Festival Hall. Death Cafe has spread out of London, first to Chester with Sue Barsky Reid, then to mid-Wales and then, via Lizzy Miles, to the US. Lots and lots of people are interested in talking about death!
Along the way, we've got a lot clearer about what Death Cafe is. We offer conversations about death:
- On a not for profit basis, though to be sustainable we try to cover expenses through donations and fundraising
- In an accessible, respectful and confidential space, free of discrimination, where people can express their views safely
- With no intention of leading participants towards any particular conclusion, product or course of action
- Alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake!
Our forthcoming Death Cafes page shows 10 Death Cafes in the next 2 months which is amazing!
We'd like to say thanks to everyone who has been involved in Death Cafe, either by attending them or organising them. Year 1 has been great - roll on year 2!
Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteLoved my first encounter at Joy of Death fest.
Keep up the good work.