New group aims to help people confront taboo subject

The first meeting of Honiton Death Café was a lively affair – attracting 22 people to The Beehive.

The event - the first of several such gatherings planned across East Devon - was organised by Gill Amos from Action East Devon and Emma Kennedy.

They believe that death should not be a taboo subject and as such people are denied the opportunity to explore their feelings and ideas about it. The aim is to share experiences and listen to others.

At the meeting small groups of four and five people talked informally, or used conversation starters from a lucky dip to discuss the issues of death.

Emma said: “You always meet the loveliest people at a death café and that’s certainly what made it such a success.”

Gill added: “The evening was really enjoyable - the conversations were so interesting we were all the richer for them and we had lovely comments about the café. It’s not morbid - Death Cafés can be very life affirming, sometimes there is sadness but they are supportive and even enjoyable! There is no agenda, anyone trying to lead discussions to any conclusion or sell anything. It is a respectful, supportive and confidential space. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.”

More Death cafés are happening in East Devon, which are free to attend. They are at Axminster Arts Café on April 25, 7pm to 9pm ; Seaton’s Eyre Court Hotel (Eden Room) May 23, 7pm to 9pm, and Honiton, again, on June 8, 7pm to 9pm at The Beehive.

Please contact organisers for more details, or to let them know you are going: Gill: 07855117702 / gill.amos@actioneastdevon.org.uk ;

Emma: 07974330549 / emma.kennedy07@yahoo.co.uk