Death cafe in the Welsh valleys–an appraisal. (2nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parry, Maria; Taubert, Mark; Clements, Sam; Churcher, Clare; James, Alex; Smith, Karen
• Is Part Of: International journal of palliative nursing. Volume 27:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2021-06-02
• Subjects: Death cafe -- Digital legacy -- Stigma; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2021.27.4.188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-6321

Abstract

Abstract : Background: A death cafe is an event where people drink, eat and discuss death. Death cafes do not follow a set structure and the events are held for free. The mission of death cafes is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'. Death cafes have a proven track record in providing a safe place for people to have conversations about dying, death and grief. Aim: This study aims to contribute to the literature by providing a simple synthesis of comments made on the day of a death cafe in Wales by the attendees, and to allow the identification of further research questions. Method: A death cafe event was organised in the South Wales valleys, to encourage discussions about death during Dying Matters Awareness week in the UK, 10 May to 16 May 2019. Result: The event was well attended, and attendees recorded their thoughts about the event. Conclusion: Emerging themes were categorised into the following themes: communication, digital legacy, stigma, humour and a request for future events. Feedback showed that the death cafe had encouraged a greater dialogue about death and dying and facilitated conversations.