Doing death differently

The Lancet Commission on the Value of Death (2022) set out 5 principles to improve people’s experiences of dying and grief through major cultural and system change:

• everyday stories of death and dying become commonplace;
• death is understood as a relational and spiritual process, not just a physiological event;
• networks of care lead support for people who are dying and grieving;
• the social determinants of death, dying and grief are tackled;
• the Value of Death is recognised.

Through a series of gently facilitated discussions and activities, we will explore these ideas, what they mean to us, and how we might make them a reality.

Why does this matter?

Not enough people die well in the UK. Too often, dying is over-medicalised and ‘owned’ by professionals. Most people do not feel confident to support someone who is dying or grieving. The Compassionate Communities movement challenges the idea that death is the responsibility only of health services, saying: ‘death and grief are everybody’s business’. In this workshop, we’ll stimulate ideas on improving society’s support for dying and grieving people, and how we can make change.

Who is this workshop for?

It is for anyone interested to discuss these issues with others. You may be learning about these issues for the first time, or have thought about them before, or already be involved in social change. All are welcome.

This event is to discuss social change, policy and community action. We will be talking about death, loss and grief and some people may find this upsetting. It will be sensitively facilitated, but please note: it is not a therapeutic event, and is not providing counselling.

Aged 18+.

What others have said

“Fantastic session, sensitive yet stimulating … the deliberation was excellently facilitated.”

“Beautifully designed session, rich with stimulating content, that is both essential for me as an individual, daughter, partner, sister and friend - but also for wider community.”

“The ideas explored feel realistic and reachable, and would have wider systemic effects on people's lives and community cohesion.”

“The part that I thought has most value were the reflections in small groups where we discussed our own stories and connected with our own lived experience of death and grief.”

Accessibility

We are sorry but there is no wheelchair access to the first floor of Friends Meeting House. There is a stair lift for those with restricted mobility, but please check with the venue for further information.