Death cafés are coming to Scotland: an open conversation about death and dying
Tea, cake and honest talk, with no agenda. Here’s how the first ones will work.
Support, plan & action. At the end of life, for everyone in Scotland.
Friends at the End is a Scottish charity. We support people facing the end of life and the people who love them, help everyone plan ahead, and make the case for assisted dying to be one of their choices.
About Friends at the End
For 25 years, Friends at the End has helped people in Scotland talk, plan and choose at the end of life. Our support is free, confidential and open to everyone.
Support.
Someone to talk to, whatever you’re facing.
Get in touch by message or email and we’ll listen first. Then we’ll connect you with the right person: a professional counsellor, a visiting volunteer or a death café near you.
“I didn’t know who to ask. Friends at the End found me a counsellor, and for the first time I could say it all out loud.”
Mairi, Fife
Who are you looking for help for?
You’re facing the end of your life. Let’s talk about what you need.
Tell us what’s on your mind. We’ll listen, connect you with the right person to talk to, and help you put your wishes in writing.
Get in touchSomeone you love is dying. You need support too.
Caring for someone at the end of life is exhausting and lonely. We can talk things through with you, help you understand their wishes, and find a counsellor for you.
Talk to usGrief doesn’t keep to a timetable. We’re here when you’re ready.
Especially after a difficult death, it can help to talk to someone who understands. Our support doesn’t stop when someone dies.
Talk to usDeath is the one thing we all share. It’s easier to talk about together.
We’re starting death cafés across Scotland: relaxed, open groups with tea, cake and honest conversation. No agenda, and no views required.
Find a death café- Free to anyone in Scotland
- No membership needed
- Whatever your views on assisted dying
Plan.
Whatever the law says, you can decide now.
Most of the distress we hear about could have been eased by a conversation held earlier. Our free guide takes you through it in four steps.
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Think it through
What matters most to you: where, with whom, and what you would and wouldn’t want.
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Write it down
An advance directive records your wishes about treatment, in case you can’t say them yourself.
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Choose someone
A power of attorney lets a person you trust speak for you when it counts.
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Talk about it
Share your plan with family and your GP, so it’s known before it’s needed.
Get the free guide
Free to anyone in Scotland.
Advance directive
A statement of my wishes for my care at the end of life
I, Margaret Anne Reid, of Edinburgh, make this statement while I am able to make decisions for myself. I ask that it is followed if I cannot say these things myself.
- Place of care. I wish to be cared for, and to die, at home, with the window open.
- Those with me. I would like Anna and the boys to be with me.
- My representative. My sister, Morag Reid, holds my welfare power of attorney and will speak for me.
- Treatment. I do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means if there is no reasonable prospect of recovery.
Signed
7 October 2026Date
Witnessed by
Dr J. CampbellName of witness
No one should face the end of life alone.
Action.
Assisted dying in Scotland: where the law stands, and how to have your say.
Assisted dying is not legal in Scotland. We believe it should be one of the choices open to people at the end of life, with strong safeguards. Three bills have come before the Scottish Parliament since 2010.
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2010
End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill
Margo MacDonald MSP.
Fell at Stage 1 -
2015
Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill
Patrick Harvie MSP.
Fell at Stage 1 -
2025
Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
Liam McArthur MSP. The first to pass Stage 1.
Passed Stage 1 -
2026
Final vote
MSPs voted against the Bill.
Not passed -
Next
What happens now
The question is likely to return. We’ll explain each step as it happens.
Be part of Friends at the End.
Members, volunteers and donors keep our support free and our information independent. There are lots of ways to help, large and small.
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Join us
Join online in a few minutes. From £2.10 a month.
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Volunteer
Help run a death café or join a visiting group.
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Share your story
Your experience can help others facing the same thing.
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Have your say
Tell your MSP what end of life choice means to you.
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Donate
Keep our support free for everyone who needs it.
The members’ archive.
Everything we hold, in one place. Members can sign in to search and download papers, guides, newsletters and responses going back years.
- Members’ newslettersEvery issue, back to 2008
- AGM papers and accountsMinutes, reports and annual accounts
- Consultation responsesOur submissions to government
- Guides and researchBriefings, evidence and reading lists
Updates.
What’s happening at Friends at the End.
What we’re doing, the people we meet, and what’s changing for end of life choice in Scotland.
Keep our support free.
Every conversation, counselling referral and death café is free to the person who needs it, and so is our information and planning help. UK taxpayers can add 25% through Gift Aid.
Prefer not to give online? You can still send a cheque or make a bank transfer. How to give by post or bank transfer.
Scottish Charity SC048875. Payments processed securely; we never store card details.If you’re struggling right now
We support people facing the end of life and promote choice at that time; we don’t provide information about methods of ending life. If you need someone to talk to now, Samaritans are on 116 123, free, day or night, and Breathing Space is on 0800 83 85 87. For questions about your own care, your GP or palliative care team is the right first call.