The COVID-19 crisis has prompted us all to think a bit more about death and what it means for us and our loved ones. It has also provided an opportunity to place the importance of talking about death, dying and bereavement firmly on the national agenda.

But talking about death can be difficult. Libraries as safe and trusted spaces in the community can support conversations about loss, grief, end of life planning and legacy through books and reading.

About the event

Death and grief are often considered taboo. But what about pet bereavement? Over half of British homes count an animal as a member of the family. During the Covid pandemic, we have seen just how transformative animals can be for human lives. When pets die, the loss is often devastating. If we find it hard to talk about grief, it can be particularly hard to talk about pet grief. Do people take it seriously? How do we explain pet death to children? How can we support each other at times of pet death?

Our expert panel, Diane James who manages the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service, Julie-Marie Strange, an historian of pets and family life in Britain, and Nicki Salkeld and Ashley Rudolph, authors and illustrators of the children's book, 'Saying Goodbye to Mr Jim', will address the unique heartbreak of pet grief through stories of pet death past and present, fictional and remembered, followed by a Q&A session with Dr Claire Nally from Northumbria University.

The event will be on Zoom. Tickets sales will close at midday on Tuesday, 12 October. Joining instructions will be sent to you by email before the event. Please make sure you have a stable internet connection on the night.

Please note this is not a bereavement counselling session, but an opportunity to reflect on, and think about, what grief and mortality means for us all.

Hosted by The Death Positive Library

The Death Positive Library is a collaboration between Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle Libraries. It is a place to safely connect with others to share ideas and to also explore feelings of grief in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

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