Death cafés
Open conversations about death and dying. Our first are planned in Edinburgh and online.
Group conversations about death and dying, led by a trained volunteer host. Nobody is asked for their views on assisted dying.
A death café is an informal meeting where people talk about death, dying and what matters to them. The idea started in Switzerland and has spread around the world, in cafés, libraries, community halls and online.
Why we run them
It can be hard to raise the subject with the people closest to us. A death café is a place to think about what we want, and to prepare for those conversations at home.
Our death cafés
We’re planning our first death cafés in Edinburgh and online. Each one is free and led by a trained volunteer host. Everyone is welcome, whatever your beliefs.
What happens at a death café
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Anyone can come
Anyone is welcome. You don’t need to know anyone, and you can bring a friend.
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A host starts the conversation
A volunteer host gets the conversation going. You can join in or just listen.
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You can leave at any time
You can leave at any point, and you don’t have to buy anything.
Questions people ask
- Do I have to talk?
No. You can come along just to listen.
- Is it a support group?
No. It’s a group conversation. If you’d like counselling, we can refer you to a counsellor.
- Will people talk about assisted dying?
Only if someone raises it. Hosts don’t campaign, and nobody is asked for their views.
- Is it for people who are ill or bereaved?
It’s open to everyone, ill or well. It isn’t a bereavement group, but nobody is turned away.
- Is it religious?
No. People of every faith and none come along.
- How will I know when one is on?
Each one goes on our events page as soon as it’s confirmed, and our newsletter shares them first.
Volunteer as a host
We’re recruiting volunteer hosts. No experience is needed: we provide training.
- Emailinfo@fate.scot
- Office0131 271 5971Our office line, not a helpline.
- PostFriends at the End, 42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ